HSE International Issue 103 by HSE International Magazine

Health, Safety & Environment Worldwide

ISSUE 101

ISSUE 102 £9.99

SEE PLC • CALDER DALE COLLEGE JOSEPH ASH GALVA NIZING • AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED • SOUTH & CIT Y COLLEGE BIR MINGH A M

Driver training doesn’t have to hurt... ACCIDENTS HURT EVERYONE. PEOPLE, FAMILIES, BUSINESSES. BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO HAPPEN. THANKS TO RoSPA, I’M CONFIDENT MY FLEET DRIVERS ARE SAFER. NOW MY MIND IS AT EASE. I GO HOME TO MY FAMILY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, OUR STAFF GO HOME TO THEIRS.

Up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time. It doesn’t have to be like this. Here at RoSPA we understand that every business is different. That’s why our fleet training courses are tailored to meet your drivers’ specific needs. That way, big or small, working day or night, you can be sure that your drivers are receiving the most relevant, high quality training – wherever you are in the world!

accidents don’t have to happen

www.rospa.com 0121 248 2233 | enquiries@rospa.com

Our members have better business conversations with the right people. Join us. Knowledge to Power

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ISSUE 103 CONTENTS News

Spotlight 12 MRS Training & Rescue

Awards: 12

Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards 2016

British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2016

Oakray Limited

IIRSM 40 BSIF - RPE, does it really protect? 46 PAFtec Australia Pty Ltd 48

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6 NEWS 10 SPOTLIGHT 12 MRS TRAINING & RESCUE 14 FIA: FIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 20 ARCA: THE ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION 24 OSHCR: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSULTANTS REGISTER 28 IOSH: A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE OF OSH COMPETENCE / NO TIME TO LOSE CAMPAIGN 34 RoSPA AWARDS 2016 38 SEE PLC 44 CALDERDALE COLLEGE 48 AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED 56 SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM 64 JOSEPH ASH GALVANIZING 70 ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS 74 LOCAL AUTHORITIES: ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL 78 NHBC HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2016 82 BELLWAY HOMES NORTH LONDON

FOREWORD: ISSUE 103 In this issue of HSE International:

elcome to our RoSPA Awards special issue. 2016 marks the diamond anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. For 60 years the scheme has been recognising and celebrating excellence in safety performance – the largest and longestrunning programme of its kind in the UK. These internationally recognised awards have become the most sought after accolade in every sector, offering organisations the opportunity to prove their ongoing commitment to raising standards and to celebrate success. We had the opportunity to speak with some of this year’s winners including Afton Chemical, Calderdale College, Joseph Ash Galvanizing, SEE Plc and ‘Education & Training Services’ winners, South & City College Birmingham (SCCB). Dawn Francis-Jones, Assistant Director Health and Safety, SCCB commented: “The award means absolutely everything and is the ultimate benchmark to reflect our hard work and commitment. It demonstrates that the lead I take on health and safety management is the correct one. It enables me to seek to improve against the highest standards, to develop my skills as a practitioner and to maintain a leadership culture ethos.”

Also in this issue we take a look at the NHBC (National House Building Council) Health and Safety Awards 2016 - the UK’s only health and safety awards scheme exclusively for home builders. We speak to winners, Bellway Homes North London who, in just under 70 years, have grown to be one of the most successful house builders in the UK. We focus on Asbestos and Fire Safety in the form of exclusive features with organisations at the forefront of promoting best practice; ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) and FIA (Fire Industry Association). We present an exclusive introduction to OSHCR (Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register), discussing the benefits of membership and their aims to assist businesses in finding advice on general health and safety management. We showcase an in-depth profile for the UK’s leading electricity distributor UK Power Networks, and speak to Allerdale Borough Council about management and strategy following the December 2015 floods. In addition, we feature our regular column from MRS Training & Rescue and hear about IOSH’s Blueprint for the future of OSH competence.

Contributors ARCA NHBC BSIF OSHCR FIA RoSPA IOSH For more information, please contact a member of our team at: info@hseinternational.co.uk www.twitter.com/hse_int 0800 612 5845

Olympus Publishing Limited 42 Crosby Rd Waterloo Liverpool L22 4QQ

Jonathan Seale Magazine Manager

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NEWS

EMPLOYERS NEED TO CONSIDER HEALTH AND SAFETY OF EMAILS Every night, millions of people check their emails before going to bed. Indeed, some people check their emails while they are in bed. At the weekend too, millions of work-related emails are generated. And it is bad, all bad.

ew research shows that out-of-hours emailing is potentially psychologically harmful. Quite apart from the issues of work-life balance, using workrelated email when you are not in the office can also lead to mental exhaustion. For employers, this is fast becoming a health and safety issues. Companies are required by law to protect their employees from harm, including psychological damage. Allowing staff to work on email when they are not in the office could impact upon the individual’s psychological health. As a result, companies may need to limit access to work emails, out of hours. This is not as controversial as it may seem. In France, it is now illegal for companies employing more than 50 people to send emails outside office hours. The legislation was introduced a couple of months ago specifically to protect workers from psychological damage. You can expect other countries to follow suit. However, businesses need to think a bit, rather than over-react to steps taken to prevent workers from emailing. Email overload is well-established; a typical office worker is getting 200-300 emails per day and is spending three hours on dealing with email – the vast majority of which is actually unnecessary. Combine that with workers who are tired, not relaxed, have home problems due to work clashing with private life and you have a recipe for an unproductive workforce. Productivity levels in the UK have failed to recover since 2008 in most areas of work. Economists are struggling to explain why productivity is not as great as they would expect.

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Graham Jones, Internet Psychologist

Tired and emotionally burned-out workers could be a factor. The more emailing they do at home, away from the office, the more they become burned out and stressed. So, banning out-of-hour emails does much more than enabling companies to stick to health and safety legislation. In addition, preventing staff from accessing work-related emails when they are at home will actually make people more productive. That, in turn, will help boost profitability. Switching off emails after 5pm at night could be the best thing you do for your business – and your staff. By Graham Jones, Internet Psychologist • www.grahamjones.co.uk

MAJOR STEP TO MAKE CHILD ACCIDENT PREVENTION A PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITY Child accident prevention has taken a major step towards becoming a public health priority after RoSPA and other health and accident prevention organisations met with new Minister for Public Health and Innovation, Nicola Blackwood MP, and Public Health England.

round-table meeting between the Minister, RoSPA, Public Health England, and organisations including the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), was held on July 25 to discuss the burden of childhood accidents. Each year about 60 children under five die from accidents, while 450,000 attend A&E and 40,000 are admitted to hospital, some with life-changing injuries. The meeting was arranged as part of RoSPA’s continuing drive, along with its partners, to ensure that accident prevention is proportionately prioritised in the public health agenda – currently, one in three of all attendees to A&E are there through accidental injury.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “This is a major breakthrough in terms of public acknowledgement of the importance of accident prevention, and we are pleased that, through our work with our partners, the burden of unintentional injury and the huge benefits of preventing accidents is now being recognised. The effect unintentional injury to children has on the cost of health, social care and education means it is a huge public concern. “But this is just the start of the process and we now all need to help PHE to realise these laudable ambitions, because accidents don’t have to happen. “Injury prevention programmes which combine education for parents and professionals as well as some safety equipment for the most vulnerable families, are just some of the ways in which we can improve the safety of children, together with the effective use of data and strengthening the role of practitioners and parents.” Dr Cliff Mann, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “Accident prevention is important to us working in A&E as much of our work is looking after those who have become injured by accidents. We welcome this step forward.” See more at: www.rospa.com/media-centre/

A GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR SAFETY A manufacturing group leader with the science-based technology company 3M has been recognised with a prestigious honour from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for his outstanding contribution to safety and accident prevention.

loyd Booth, who is based at the company’s UK centre for health care products in Loughborough, has won a RoSPA Guardian Angel Award. The accolade celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the safety of others. Lloyd was nominated for the award by 3M colleagues following his exemplary contribution to operator training and risk assessments during the installation of new manufacturing equipment. Lloyd received his award during a regional ceremony at which the Loughborough manufacturing site was also presented with a RoSPA Order of Distinction for achieving 15 consecutive golds in the organisation’s annual occupational health and safety awards scheme.

Guardian Angel Lloyd Booth (left) with fellow 3M employee Mark Poulton holding the RoSPA Order of Distinction

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NEWS

OLDBURY DISTILLERY BLAZE LEFT YOUNG WORKER ENGULFED BY FLAMES A distillery in Oldbury has been fined after an employee was engulfed by flames in a fire that destroyed the warehouse and its contents.

olverhampton Crown Court heard how ethyl acetate (a highly flammable liquid) was being transferred from a bulk storage tank into an intermediate bulk container when an employee was engulfed by flames. The 21-year-old sustained twenty percent burns to his head, neck and hands. The fire, at the Alcohol Limited distillery on Crosswell road in Oldbury, destroyed the warehouse and caused damage to nearby cars and houses. West Mercia Fire and Rescue Service were called to bring the fire under control. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, which occurred on 26 November 2012, found that the most likely source of ignition was a discharge of static electricity generated by the transfer of the liquid.

There was poor maintenance of pipework and associated valves. There was a failure to competently inspect the equipment or monitor the systems of work. Alcohols Limited, of Charringtons House, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £270,000 and ordered to pay costs of £25,009. After the hearing HSE inspector Kieron Jones said: “Companies that fail to ensure the integrity of their safety critical equipment place their employees, members of the public, emergency services and their entire livelihood at risk of serious harm. “Poor management of highly flammable liquids can have catastrophic results both for individuals and businesses.” See more at: press.hse.gov.uk/2016/9465/

WOMAN CRUSHED TO DEATH BY AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR The tragic accident happened at Ruth Bagnall Court, Cambridge, on Sunday 14 August.

S Photograph: SWNS:SOUTH WEST NEWS SERVICE

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ocial worker Heidi Chalkley, 40, was killed instantly after getting caught in the doors to a private parking basement. The mother was pulled into the rolling metal shutter of an automated garage door after grabbing hold of it with both arms in an ‘act of silliness’. Cambridgeshire Coroners’ officer, Paul Garnell, said: “A 40-year-old woman was with her friend at the Ruth Bagnall Court and they were in the underground car park because her friend resided at this location. They were going out of the exit via the car park. “She had pressed the button to operate the door and in

MAINTENANCE WARNINGS AFTER WATERSTONES FALLING SIGN FATALITY

he tragedy happened in January 2015 when Margaret Sheridan, 68, from Blackpool, was closing the Waterstones book store where she worked, and the large structure crashed down on her as she attempted to lower the roller shutters. A verdict of accidental death was retuned by a jury inquest. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Lancashire Police carried out a full investigation into Mrs Sheridan’s death and are now urging other businesses to ensure proper maintenance of their signs. The report submitted to the inquest by the HSE said that timber holding the sign screws could ‘no longer withstand the loads’, causing the sign to fall. Prior to 1980, an original ‘much lighter’ sign had been fixed to the building in Blackpool, Lancashire, using 10 woodscrews and a vertical stud. It is thought that the addition of a ‘larger and much heavier sign’, also installed prior to 1980, made the structure unsafe. The design of the second sign made it difficult to check the original fixings that installers relied on when later additions were made. Over the years, the fixings had been overloaded and weakened by corrosion and the timber holding the screws could no longer withstand the loads. The HSE could not say why the sign fell at the moment it did. Blackpool Council deputy leader, Councillor Gillian

the process of the shutter going up, in an act of silliness, she reached up and held on to the shutter. “She was meant to drop down but her arms got caught and the shutters pulled her up into the mechanism where it caused death immediately. “The friend frantically tried to save her life with the help of a passerby by holding on to her and trying to pull her out, but to no avail.” Ruth Bagnall Court is managed by housing company Luminus and some residents accused them of being slow to fix problems. One local man commented: “I’ve lived here for five years and that door is always breaking. There is an automatic key fob that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. “I don’t know how she got into trouble but the door is automatic and is supposed to stop when it catches on something for safety purposes.” Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve been here for three years and there’s always problems. The garage door to the car parking is always breaking, so are the doors to the block of flats and people are always stealing bikes.”

A falling sign that had not been properly maintained killed the Waterstones employee as she closed the store.

Photograph: ©GTV

Campbell, said: “While the investigations found that no-one was to blame, it is still important to look to see if there is anything that business owners in Blackpool could learn from this terrible accident. “As the circumstances do not appear to show a single design type flaw, more a sequence of events over time, there is no single solution. “However we have pledged to carry out a number of actions including reminding those businesses of their obligation to maintain premises and signage in a safe condition and ensure that any alterations are assessed for safety.” The report concluded that the additional weight being added at that stage was relatively small, but the installers of the latest sign still should have checked the strength of the existing sign before adding to it. Thus “it would not be unexpected if they assumed that their panels could be added safely.” Coroner Alan Wilson wrote to the chief executive of Blackpool Council following Mrs Sheridan’s inquest, and in response, the council’s health and safety enforcement team liaised with other authorities to set out an “action plan”, including informing relevant businesses of the incident and the reasons for it. ‘Margaret remains in our thoughts,’ a spokeswoman from Waterstones said. See more at: www.hseinternational.co.uk/warnings-waterstones-sign-fatality

Photograph: SWNS:SOUTH WEST NEWS SERVICE

Police and health and safety officers are now investigating the death. A Police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a sudden death of a woman in Ruth Bagnall Court, Coleridge Road, Cambridge at about 7.30pm on Sunday. “The incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive.” See more at: www.hseinternational.co.uk/mother-crushed-death-automaticgarage-door

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SPOTLIGHT

Fire safety has long been one of the manufacturing industry’s biggest risk challenges.

New PPE Regulation: Looking to the future

times a year to review and discuss reports from the European groups, raise issues around standards and test methods, and liaise as a body with delegates who also attend from UKAS and BEIS.

ollowing a two year transition period, the new PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 will officially come into force from the 21st April 2018. This will be a change from the European PPE Directive 89/686/EC that has standardised all products and services for 25 years, ensuring they are complying with the regulations.

Capacity challenges and Trading Standards In light of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, there has been significant uncertainty, but the PPE Regulation will still come into force as doing anything else at this stage would be illegal. If at any point this does change, the UK health and safety industry is still likely to comply with the legislation in order to unify itself with the international health, safety and personal protective equipment market, including supply chains, product platforms and product performance standards. The application of the new Regulation will undoubtedly require the industry to consider the extensive resources that various UK institutions will need to apply to it. It will highlight the existing capacity challenges faced by institutions such as UKAS which, if unable to deliver the necessary support to the UK Notified Bodies for scoping to the new regulation in a timely manner and other EU countries do this more effectively, we could see Britain unable to progress as quickly as others. It is therefore essential that Government departments recognise this potential threat and support the industry.

HAZARD ALERT! DON’T GET BURNED BY A POOR FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

UK Notified Bodies: co-ordinate and co-operate One of the key changes will be to the requirements for UK Notified Bodies which ensure a product is complying with European performance standards (EN). These Bodies are appointed by a National Notifying Authority. In the UK this is the Government within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) who task the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to assess and monitor organisations that apply to become Notified Bodies. One such requirement is that there will be an obligation for Notified Bodies to effectively co-ordinate and cooperate. Within the BSIF Test and Certification Association of which every UK Notified Body for PPE is a member, Bodies already do just that. The Association meets four

n the last 10 years, UK legislation has specifically put the onus on the responsible person (such as the building owner and/or employer) to perform regular fire assessments. Typically, these assessments fall to the health & safety manager to perform, but often these individuals don’t have the time or expertise to create best practice documentation. The benefits of a top-notch fire risk assessment are many, from reducing the likelihood of a fire to ensuring that, if there is a fire, everyone knows their responsibilities, there is minimal damage to property and no staff injuries. Additionally, a professional risk assessment and the subsequent risk reduction can even help minimise insurance costs or help companies achieve certificated health and safety management systems, such as OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001. Failure to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment can increase the risk of injuries or fatalities to staff and the monetary fines that can be incurred when a fire does occur. For example, a Reading manufacturer received a £200,000 fine in 2010 for failing to provide adequate fire safety clothing when an employee received burns on the job. Fire and rescue services also conduct ad hoc investigations of facilities to identify if the fire risk assessment is suitable and sufficient, and can take action where this is deemed appropriate (e.g. serve notices, prosecute, etc.). In addition to taking an accredited NEBOSH course in fire safety, it would be wise for those responsible for managing fire risk and safety to watch for some of the common pitfalls of weaker fire risk assessments by taking into account some of the following factors:

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• • • • •

Don’t just focus on the ‘fire triangle’ (sources of ignition, oxygen and fuel) Investigate the elements of your building structure, including fire doors, breaches in compartment walls, shafts and voids (ways that a fire could spread) as well as travel distances to emergency exits (a strong understanding of technical building standards and drawings as well as the specifications of fire alarms is necessary to properly be able to address this) Consider all building materials used and identify opportunities to retrofit with less flammable alternatives Research any ‘near misses’ where a fire almost occurred or almost spread to become a larger problem to identify any opportunities for improvement Fire safety doesn’t have an approved code of practice, so understanding the related standards that should be referred to is key (these need to be applied subjectively depending on the building use)

Fire risk assessments should be regularly updated, particularly when there are building works, such as an expansion or renovation that could affect building materials and risks. Additionally, new operating processes could affect status of the fire risk assessment. EEF experts regularly help UK manufacturers minimise risk in their workplace. Get in touch to arrange a diagnostic visit.

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Written by Stephen Lewis, HSCE Consultant • 0808 168 5874 • www.eef.org.uk

Other changes post Brexit could be the role of Trading Standards and its current efforts in ensuring product compliance with EU legislation, conducting market surveillance and adhering to single market regulations. I believe we will continue to see Trading Standards working in this way as industry will be keen ALAN MURRAY, BSIF CEO to ensure continued trade with Europe. However that like many other elements depends on the position that the UK ultimately takes. Brexit has brought with it a sense of apprehension as the implications for our industry are not fully clear, but the BSIF is actively engaging with the Government and all affiliated bodies to establish the official positions as the negotiations process progresses. Exactly when this will be we do not know, but the Federation will continue its efforts to ensure that the safety of the UK workforce is not compromised and that fundamental good health and safety practice and policies remain in place. To find out more visit www.bsif.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BSIF1

JOIN THE CONVERSATION. CONTACT US TODAY! 0800 612 5845 info@hseinternational.co.uk

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NEBOSH

The Breathing apparatus that Mines Rescue teams rely on In the difficult conditions encountered in underground mines, the BG4 is used effectively by Mines Rescue teams around the world. It is also used by teams working in tunnels, chambers, tanks, vats, silos, trenches, pipes, sewers, flues, wells or other enclosed spaces when there are difficult working conditions – including: • • • • • • • •

Toxic or oxygen deficient atmospheres Long distances (4000m plus there and back is not unusual) Hot and humid conditions Poor visibility (smoke) Poor underfoot conditions Damaged infrastructure Restricted access Restricted height

escue teams can be required to perform rescues and inspection in the conditions mentioned above. They can, for rescue purposes, be asked to travel in the conditions outlined above, and at the end of this, treat and rescue casualties. They then have to do the return trip, this time transporting and keeping alive a casualty.

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To ask rescue workers to undertake this arduous operation they must have complete faith and total confidence in the equipment they are being provided with. It is essential to ensure their safety while they perform a rescue, or take remedial action to prevent injury or to minimize damage. The workforce also need to be confident that a rescue will be effective. Key to this is the breathing apparatus they are provided with. A normal compressed air breathing apparatus, as used by other emergency services, will be capable of supplying the wearer with up to thirty minutes of breathable air. This can be extended by increasing the cylinder size, increasing the pressure or doubling up on the number of cylinders, but realistically you will still only be capable of getting an hours use from this type of breathing apparatus. Airline breathing apparatus would give you the duration required, but has the obvious limitation to the distance it will be effective over. Clearly none of the above would provide sufficient confidence to wearers who would, or could, encounter the conditions during mines rescue operations. Neither would they satisfy the legal and moral requirement to have an effective means of rescue in the event of a catastrophe or accident, affecting employees, in a mine, tunnel, chamber, tank, vat, silo, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other enclosed space. The BG4 self-contained regenerative closed circuit breathing apparatus combines uncompromising safety with outstanding respiratory protection and wearer comfort.

This breathing apparatus provides the wearer with up to four hours of breathing air in toxic or oxygen deficient environments. Benefits • Breathing air for 4 hours • Highest breathing comfort coupled with an integrated cooling system • Ergonomically shaped carrying plate • Reduced exposure from a well-balanced system • The harness and intelligent breathing hose routing for excellent freedom of movement The Drager FPS 7000 RP full face mask that we use can be fitted with an integrated drinking valve. This is a huge benefit to breathing apparatus users who wear the set potentially to its four-hour capacity or to those who are required to operate in hot and humid conditions. Whenever our teams use the BG4 during rescue operations, inspections or firefighting operations in confined spaces such as tunnels, underground ducts, or in situations with long access routes, the BG4 closed circuit breathing apparatus is the safest option to provide our employees with the maximum possible protection from a self-contained breathing apparatus. The apparatus works with a positive pressure breathing circuit that protects the wearer by preventing hazardous substances from entering the sealed breathing system. The duration of the apparatus is four hours. (This is reduced in extreme conditions to protect the wearer in, for example, hot and humid conditions) The CO2 absorber

removes carbon dioxide from the exhaled air. At the same time the breathing air is enriched with oxygen from the oxygen cylinder. Before the regenerated breathing air is inhaled again it flows through the breathing air cooler where an ice mold of the same shape is inserted inside the cooler to reduce the temperature of the inhaled air and minimize physical stress to the wearer. The BG4 is equipped with the Bodyguard II fully electronic signal and warning unit. • • • • • • •

Monitoring Functions of the Bodyguard II Cylinder pressure (digital) Remaining duration of use (time remaining unit residual pressure warning) Temperature indication upon the press of a button Automatic recording of all mission data The BG4 is the breathing apparatus that we rely on to protect our employees who in turn can provide protection to your employees. Written by Andrew Watson, Commercial and Business Development Director at MRS Training & Rescue (the new name for Mines Rescue Service)

MRS Training & Rescue provide BG4 training at their centres nationwide. They also offer maintenance and hire service, as well as offering them as part of their rescue team’s kit. For a no obligation discussion about your requirements, contact them today. www.mrstrainingandrescue.com

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FIA: FIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

“We believe that by being better educated and by sharing our knowledge and skills, we can work together to save lives from smoke and fire.”

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changing the landscape of the fire safety industry How it all began

e are the Fire Industry Association (FIA), and our story begins 100 years ago. Imagine life then – fire protection and health and safety were nowhere near as sophisticated as it is today. Inventors were just starting on the path to creating the first automatic fire alarms – often trying out new ideas, testing them, and scratching their heads as their experiments didn’t always go as planned. Other inventors were trying to create new products that could extinguish fires more effectively than the old-fashioned copper or brass fire extinguishers of the time. In 1916, two years after the First World War had begun, people were beginning to wish that they had a space to collaborate and share their ideas about fire safety products. But no one had come forward to create a group in order to do this. It was a critical time. The War was progressing. Public safety was at risk. And the standard of fire safety equipment needed to be drastically improved. To tackle the problem, the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association (FETA) was formed; a space to collaborate, to share industry knowledge, to improve the quality of

products available at the time. And whilst World War One died out and gave way in time to World War Two, FETA continued its work, tirelessly trying to improve fire safety product standards. Fast-forward 50 years to 1966 – the year England won the World Cup, three years before man stepped on the moon. Whilst FETA continued their work, the British Fire Protection Systems Association first began – yet another space for people in the fire industry to come together and collaborate. But two groups working separately was not enough. They needed to be a greater force, a greater voice. In 2007, the two trade associations became one: the Fire Industry Association (FIA). And although we merged and with a name change, we still aspire to the same ideal: to raise standards across the whole of the fire safety industry. We write and revise British Standards to give manufacturers and installers the best possible guidance to ensure that products are safe, reliable, and can be installed to a professional level. We care greatly about the safety of the public, which is why we regularly write for a range of different magazines, educating hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and business owners on their fire protection responsibilities. We even advise and collaborate

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FIA: FIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

FIA CEO Ian Moore gives a speech at the AGM in 2015

with government ministers to give them the best possible information if any legislative changes are proposed. Since 2007, the FIA has gone from strength to strength, more than doubling our number of members in the last four years alone to around 700 companies. We are now the prime technical resource for the fire industry, providing a safe platform for industry stakeholders to come together to resolve industry issues and produce best practice guidance documents for those that need it most. We are not-for-profit which means that all of our funding goes straight back into leading research projects, providing CPD days and giving vital seminars to our members to keep them up-to-date with the latest changes to the industry. But who are our members? We have member companies from across the whole of the United Kingdom in a wide range of industries – from fire risk assessors, to fire engineering. Many of our members are manufacturers of fire detection and alarm systems or portable fire extinguishers, since these are now highly developed pieces of equipment that are now rigidly guided by British Standards for safety. We also have a large proportion of installers and maintainers of non-domestic fire alarm systems, as well as exporters to other countries and suppliers to the Fire and Rescue Services – meaning that where possible, we represent the voices of the entire fire industry. We come together regularly to discuss ideas, present new solutions and work together to improve standards of safety.

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Our approach to fire safety We really do believe in ‘no stone unturned’ as it were. We encourage our members to debate every single aspect of fire safety in order to improve fire safety standards across the whole of the UK. When we aren’t working to improve written safety standards, we’re writing new fact files and guidance to help clarify the more technical aspects of the industry. We stay up-to-date with the latest scientific developments and how that might change the fire safety industry (Internet of Things, anyone?), and give advice to the public about fire safety legislation. We believe that by being better educated and by sharing our knowledge and skills, we can work together to save lives from smoke and fire. Third Party Certification We believe in third party certification. Put quite simply, this means getting an independent company to inspect and certify a company to say that they have the skills and knowledge required in order to do a job. It’s the difference between a company just saying they know how to do a job, and a company with the documented proof of certification and approval. Companies with certification are usually more reliable, have better knowledge, skills and training, and are more able to advise about fire safety issues. Which is why we insist that companies get certified before they join us as a member. Luckily, since getting certified can be slightly daunting for some companies, we offer a Route to Certification package to help companies get certified and become

Members enjoy the opportunity to build networks

Members get lots of opportunities to meet new people and share ideas

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FIA: FIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

members faster. This helps new start-ups as well as more mature companies to get the recognition that they so desperately need; being a member gives the benefit of being recognised by the industry as providing the very best in fire safety products and services. We care about educating both the general public on their fire safety responsibilities and creating great technicians through our extensive training courses. Benefits offered to members Membership of the FIA allows companies to attend our various working group and council meetings, where they can contribute their expertise to better the current industry standards and put forward their research proposals. The research, if approved, is then given funding and can be carried out. Members enjoy seeing their projects come to life and discussing the results – some research findings lead to new recommendations and help to improve safety standards, for example for testing and manufacturing new fire alarms to reduce false alarms. But the biggest benefit that members enjoy is the ability to network with other professionals – fire alarm manufacturers to exporters and suppliers, for example, or suppliers of portable fire extinguishers to network with companies that maintain fire extinguishers. It’s all a very useful pool of industry information and an excellent opportunity for companies to develop working relationships. Of course the other major plus point is reduced rates for members on all of our training courses, which leads us to…

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Training courses we offer When it comes to fire safety equipment, nothing is more vital than effective training. One of the most dangerous things a professional can lack is sufficient training and expertise. When it comes to fire safety equipment installation, maintenance and commissioning, the problem is that these pieces of equipment are highly important for the protection of people’s lives. With sufficient knowledge of the products, the legal requirements and British Standards for best practice, installers of fire safety equipment are less likely to make errors in an arena where making errors really could jeopardise the lives of the general public. It really is that simple: increased knowledge leads to greater competence and confidence on the job. Our trainers are professionals from within the industry. They each are specialists within their respective fields and most benefit from over 30 years’ experience in the industry. Together they have created detailed training courses that benefit from their experience and dedication to British Standards with the fire industry. Their invaluable insights and real-life examples of how theory relates to everyday on-the-job scenarios will give a thorough and detailed knowledge of industry best practice. You can find out more about our trainers on our website, along with a list of courses. We run training programmes nationwide with a wide range of dates and locations.

A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM IS WORKING

A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO CHECK THAT YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WILL BE READY IF THEY ARE NEEDED

1 1

Responsibility for the system should be with a manager or someone who is reliable and will carry out regular checks.

Who’s responsible? Responsibility for fire extinguishers should be with someone who is reliable and will carry out regular checks.

Who’s responsible?

FIRE

Is each one visible?

Is each extinguisher in the correct place?

BREAK GLASS

What happens when the fire alarm sounds?

People in the premises must know exactly what they are expected to do when the fire alarm sounds. Don’t forget to include staff or anyone who may be there outside ‘normal’ business hours.

PRESS HERE

MON Weekly check

INSTRUCTIONS

Can they be reached easily? There should be no obstructions.

Has the extinguisher been used? Are the seals and tamper tags in place?

Are the operating instructions legible and facing outwards so that they are immediately obvious?

TE S T

The system should be checked at the same time on the same day each week. Let everyone know when this will happen and ask them to report any changes to what they normally hear

ZONES 1 2 3 4

CONTROL PANEL EVAC

SILENCE

RESET

5 POWER

False alarms

If you use a monitoring centre, don’t forget to tell them first that you are carrying out a Fire Detection and Alarm System check! and inform them when you've finished

FIRE

Daily checks

FAULT

Do a quick visual check of the control panel each day. You should see only the green, mains healthy light. If there are no lights, it could mean the panel has lost the electrical supply and may not be working.

TEST

7 Is the extinguisher damaged?

8 Is the gauge in the green zone?

The person responsible for checking the fire extinguishers and other fire equipment in the premises should record the results of the visual inspections and arrange for immediate corrective action by a competent person if anything is found to be wrong. For more information consult the FIA website www.fia.uk.com

What our delegates say about our training Delegates who come to us for training always remark on the level of professionalism and detailed expert knowledge that they benefit from. “I sat the FIA training courses on Monday and Tuesday this week. I thought I would drop you a quick email to praise Chris the trainer. His delivery of the course content was fantastic, very rarely have I attended a course that was wholly PowerPoint based and stayed so alert. He is clearly very knowledgeable about the subject and this reflected in his delivery and real life examples.” – Dave Phelps, CIA Fire and Security Ltd, via email “I should have done this course years ago, extremely beneficial. The instructor was very very good!” – Michael Broder, after attending our Unit 1: Fire Detection & Alarm course FIM Expo Twice a year, we arrange the Fire Industry Manufacturers Expo (known as FIM Expo) in a new location somewhere in the UK to help manufacturers of fire alarm and detection systems meet potential new customers. For any visitor, it is the prime location to attend in order to discover new products and ‘try before you buy’. And because all exhibitors are FIA members, visitors can rest assured that all products and companies are industry recognised and certified.

How to check the system

If there any problems, or if a ‘Fault’ light is showing, contact your Fire Detection and Alarm System maintenance provider. Ideally, they should be a third Party accredited company.

• See that everything on the control panel is normal. • Enable test mode on panel • Activate a fire call point. (Do a different one each time to check that all are working.) • Check the appropriate alarm zone indicator is showing on the system control panel using your zone diagram. • Press the “silence” button. • Press reset to put the system back to normal operation and exit test mode. • Record when you carried out the check and the results in the system log book.

For more information consult the FIA website www.fia.uk.com

As yet we aren’t able to confirm the exact date of the next FIM Expo, but you should follow @FIM_Expo on Twitter or check our website for the latest information. Free resources So that’s us in a nutshell. We also work hard to educate business owners and the general public about their responsibilities for fire safety. That’s why we have a dedicated section on our website and a handy guide on risk assessments on our YouTube page (all the information you need in quick video format – huzzah!). And for those in the industry, we stock all of the British Standards on our website and have hundreds of resources about fire safety and British Standards available that are free to download. So whether you need information about portable fire extinguishers, or how to cut false alarm costs – every single aspect that you could possibly imagine to do with fire safety is there on our website, just waiting for you to download it, for free. Go on, you know you want to. Get in touch www.fia.uk.com www.youtube.com/fireindustryassociation

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ARCA: THE ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

ARCA supports asbestos management across the UK Asbestos management to comply with health and safety regulations

lthough the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos was used in many products, such as pipes, insulation, tiles and cement, especially in the 1940s and 1960s. Therefore, asbestos containing materials can still be found in a huge number of buildings, including shops, hospitals, schools, factories and domestic properties throughout the UK. Asbestos is a hidden danger as asbestos containing materials could be found in numerous places within these building, so being aware of where asbestos can be found is vital to reducing the health risks faced by workers and the public. The human cost of asbestos disease is devastating and significant exposures are entirely avoidable. Current figures show that approximately 4,500 people die each year in the UK from asbestos related diseases (predominantly mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis). Also the financial and reputational costs of getting asbestos management wrong are substantial. As asbestos is a category 1 carcinogen, the management of and the removal of asbestos containing materials is highly regulated, with asbestos removal contractors requiring a license from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). As the UK’s leading association representing the interests of asbestos removal contractors and associated businesses, ARCA provides guidance, training and support on all legislative requirements for members and their clients. With over 35 years in operation (formed on 1 July 1980) the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), has

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seen many changes in working procedures and legislation, and a significant increase in membership. In 1999 a division, the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC), was created to support the testing and consultancy services sector of the asbestos industry. Membership has grown considerably from the original four founder members to 350 members in all regions of the UK - North East, North West, Midlands, South West and Wales, South East, East Anglia, Scotland - and also in the Republic of Ireland. The Association has gained credibility with HSE, Government, local authorities, and all those concerned with safety in the occupational handling and removal of asbestos materials. Members are seen as the specialists in this difficult and hazardous industry, and recognised for their professionalism and quality of work. Asbestos removal member companies are required by ARCA to demonstrate the highest standards and maintain these throughout their business at all times. Therefore, members participate in the Association’s Site Audit Accreditation Scheme (SAAS) which requires two satisfactory site audits per year. These audits are carried out on notified licensable work and on a live enclosure while work is being undertaken. All completed site audit reports are assessed and verified to provide confirmation that members are maintaining the high professional standards demanded by the Association. “We have supported, represented, advised and trained members for over 35 years and today we have more than 350 members,”

1. Asbestos removal operative wearing full RPE for removing

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The human cost of asbestos disease is devastating and significant exposures are entirely avoidable. Current figures show that approximately 4,500 people die each year in the UK from asbestos related diseasesâ&#x20AC;?

sprayed asbestos coating

2. Asbestos removal operatives wearing ori-nasal respirators

while preparing an enclosure and fitting a viewing panel

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ARCA: THE ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

commented Steve Sadley, Chief Executive of ARCA. “We offer members a range of benefits and in return ARCA requires member companies to demonstrate the highest standards and maintain these throughout their business at all times. This enables individuals and companies to choose an ARCA member, knowing that they are selecting from the very best companies in the industry.” BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS There are many benefits of membership including:

• Representation: ARCA represents members via a number • • •

of industry groups and committees including the Asbestos Liaison Group (ALG) Recognition: ARCA raises professionalism by ensuring the highest standards are met, which is recognised via the ARCA logo. Support: ARCA is committed to providing the best support and advice to its members by offering a unique range of services, which has been developed to provide expert support for the management of safe operations in the licensed asbestos industry. With a team of experts in asbestos management, auditing and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) licensing requirements, ARCA provides a unique knowledge pool for members to call upon. Guidance: ARCA regularly produces Guidance Notes to assist in the practical application of legislative requirements.

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• Training & Qualifications: together ARCA and ATaC are

the UK’s leading provider of asbestos related training courses and qualifications, offering over 24 different training courses and qualifications at regional centres across the UK. Competency is vital for individuals working in the licensed asbestos removal industry, therefore, qualifications are available for removal operatives, supervisors and managers, as well surveyors and analysts, to assist in the continual pursuit of excellent standards. The qualifications offered are through three national awarding bodies, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).

Benefits to Commercial Clients It is vital that organisations take the risks from asbestos seriously and deal with asbestos in a controlled and safe manner. Therefore, selecting specialist expertise required for the identification, controlled removal and necessary post-removal activities will provide the highest human health protection against this Category 1 carcinogen. Clients are at the head of the procurement chain, so they ultimately have the final say on the course of action to be taken during a project. The law therefore requires that clients make suitable arrangements for managing a project, and maintaining and reviewing these arrangements

“It is vital that organisations take the risks from asbestos seriously and deal with asbestos in a controlled and safe manner”

throughout the project, so the project is carried out in a way that manages the health and safety risks. This requires a robust management plan which can easily be communicated to and understood by all those who have a duty under the plan. Under Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 commercial clients have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and any persons who visit their premises or may be affected by work done on their premises. Also, duty holders (property owners and managers) have a legal responsibility, under the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 (CAR 2012), to manage asbestos in the workplace. It requires the duty holders to identify the location and condition of asbestos in the workplace and to manage the risk to prevent harm to anyone who works on the building or to building occupants. Additional responsibilities are placed on clients by virtue of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), they require clients to make suitable arrangements for managing a project, and to maintain and review these arrangements throughout. When asbestos is managed well, inadvertent exposure can be prevented so that the health and safety of individuals is not put at risk.

To support duty holders; property owners, facilities managers, estates managers or asbestos managers; to understand their legal duties ARCA has produced a Guidance Note on Clients’ Responsibilities on Appointing Asbestos Contractors. The Association’s aim is to raise awareness of asbestos - a hidden danger - as this is vital in helping reduce the health risks faced by workers today. Also, the importance of carefully selecting a suitable contractor to undertake repair or removal of asbestos containing materials cannot be overstated. In its continual support to the industry ARCA recently attained membership to Build UK, on which Steve Sadley commented: “At ARCA we are committed to promoting safety and professionalism throughout the licensed asbestos removal industry, so we welcome the opportunity to work with other leading construction trades to ensure asbestos is properly managed throughout the extensive construction industry. “This is another activity which supports our mission - to give the best service and support to assist our members and clients in providing safe, effective and ethical management of asbestos, thereby safeguarding the public.” www.arca.org.uk

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OSHCR: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSULTANTS REGISTER

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSULTANTS REGISTER O

SHCR (Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register) is a published register of around 1,800 UK-based health and safety consultants. The register was established in 2011 with the primary aim of helping businesses and other organisations find health and safety advice from suitably qualified and experienced professionals. It should be noted that OSHCR is a register of individuals and not of health and safety consultancy businesses. OSHCR is a not-for-profit company and was set up following a UK Government report entitled ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’, which was published in 2010. The report, written by Lord Young of Graffham, followed a comprehensive review of the operation of health and safety laws in Britain. Lord Young made a number of recommendations, many of which were focused on tackling what was described as “overzealous” and “disproportionate” health and safety practice. At the time, Lord Young wrote: “Fears of facing legal action after failing to manage risk appropriately often encourage organisations to use the services of costly health and safety consultants. Currently there are no qualification standards for health and safety consultants and, as a result, they often adopt an overcautious approach. “This can lead to excessive and unwarranted costs to business and the voluntary sector. I recommend that health and safety consultants be accredited and that processes are in place to ensure that assessments are proportionate.”

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The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) responded by proposing the development of a publicly available register of UK health and safety consultants. Consultants appearing on the register would be required to meet certain criteria for qualifications, experience and continuing professional development in order to reassure those who used their services of their competence. The HSE stopped short of compulsory registration, preferring instead to encourage a new and independent voluntary scheme. Subsequently, the HSE invited several stakeholders to help establish OSHCR, including IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health), IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management), NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health), the British Safety Council and RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). Registration to OSCHR was opened on 31 January 2011 and then made publicly available online around three months later. It can be accessed at www.oshcr.org. ELIGIBILITY Health and safety consultants must meet strict eligibility criteria if they wish to join the register. In the main, the criteria are centered around achieving agreed membership status with a range of professional bodies involved in the development of OSHCR. For example, consultants must have achieved at least one of the following: • Chartered status with IOSH; Chartered Member of the BPS (British Psychological Society); CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health); or REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) with health and safety qualifications • Fellow status with IIRSM with degree level qualifications

Health and safety consultancy based in the North West and operating throughout the UK. From developing total safety management systems to one-off site audits, we can provide practical advice and assistance to help ensure your business is compliant with health and safety legislation and regulations.

08450 503 319 info@compasshealthandsafety.co.uk www.compasshealthandsafety.co.uk

SpecialiSt in conStruction health and Safety/ cdM. SupplierS of the Safety firSt pack - the leading health and Safety Management Software System. helping thousands of businesses meet their health and safety obligations; saving time and reducing costs For more details, contact:

dylan WilliaMS

cMioSh, iMapS, MiirSM, acioB, aieMa

willaidyl@aol.com • 07572 785 316 • or view the Safety First Pack on: ohgsafetysolutionsltd.co.uk

HealtH, Safety, environment and Quality iS an integral part of tHe way you do buSineSS today. adviCe – you Can rely on eXpertS – wHo Have been tHere SolutionS – tHat work for you we offer a range of Quality, Health, Safety and environment services designed to help your company manage your risk.

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Health, Safety, environment and Quality systems implementation and upgrade business process and project risk review assurance, audit, inspection, and business improvement bespoke training, coaching and personnel development programmes

Contact: phil Shields

CmioSH

+447872921866 • sirs.ltd@btinternet.com • www.sirs.solutions

“… I recommend that health and safety consultants be accredited and that processes are in place to ensure that assessments are proportionate” ̵ Lord Young

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OSHCR: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSULTANTS REGISTER

Specialists in the establishment, auditing and enhancement of: Health and safety management systems; Practices and procedures; Accreditation preparation and compliance. All ServiceS delivered in AccordAnce witH tHe ioSH code of conduct. Marc Smith

cMioSH

Together We Can Achieve Please contact Eric B. Barbour CFIOSH, FIIRSM, FInstLM, EurOSHM on 07984 998023 or e-mail eric@ebblimited.co.uk www.ebblimited.co.uk

07968 345 877 marc.smith@redyeomancommunications.com www.redyeomancommunications.com

EBB offers a one-stop common-sense Health and Safety service for OFFICE based businesses, which include Management Roles and Responsibilities, Policy and Standards, Internal Verification, DSE Assessments, Workplace Assessments, Accident Investigations, Health and Safety Training, Staff Task Assessing and Office Toolbox Talks.

training@eef.org.uk 0845 293 9850 www.eef.org.uk/training EEF are one of the largest training organisations in the UK offering a wide range of internationally recognised HS&E training courses and accredited qualifications, from awarding bodies such as IOSH, IEMA, NEBOSH, IOA and Oxford Brookes University.

• Member or Fellow status with BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) Faculty of Occupational Hygiene • Registered Member or Fellow status with IEHF (Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors) In addition, all consultants wishing to join the register are required to declare that they will: • Demonstrate adequate continuing professional development • Abide by their professional body’s code of conduct • Have professional indemnity insurance or equivalent to cover the nature of their duties • Provide sensible and proportionate advice This final point, concerning the provision of ‘sensible and proportionate advice’, is clarified by OSHCR as meaning: • Helping clients understand what health and safety law requires; • Helping clients understand how they can help them; • Ensuring that clients understand how to raise any concerns relating to the advice that they have received; • Exercising their professional judgement to decide what action must be taken in a particular situation. For example, an employer might be required to do what is reasonably practicable to ensure safety, and that will mean considering both the extent of the risk and the resources involved in averting the risk (whether in money, time or trouble); and • Distinguishing between legal requirements and best practice (i.e. the ‘must do’ and the ‘could do’).

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BENEFITS The key benefit of OSHCR to anyone seeking the services of a health and safety consultant is that it provides quick online confirmation of the various aspects of the eligibility criteria outlined above. In other words, businesses and other organisations can see whether a consultant holds Chartered (or equivalent) status with their main professional body, is committed to continuing professional development, abides by their professional body’s code of conduct, provides sensible and proportionate advice and has professional indemnity insurance or equivalent to cover the nature of their duties. Online search is by location, keyword, industry type and health and safety topic, and results can be broken down alphabetically, or more usefully by distance from location and the years of experience of the consultant. Advanced search provides further variables, ranging from qualifications and awarding bodies to service types and professional memberships. The key benefit to consultants of joining OSHCR is simply being included on the register, which is searchable online and confirms their meeting the eligibility criteria. Those who are registered may use the OSHCR logo on letterheads, business cards, email footers or websites. The idea of course is to drive those who might seek the advice of a health and safety consultant to select one that has a proven level of competence, and as such OSHCR can also be considered an important marketing tool. In addition, those who register with OSHCR are encouraged to provide an online profile on the OSHCR website, which promotes their professional experience, qualifications, achievements and specialisms.

“I particularly welcome the new feature which allows those seeking a consultant to advertise their requirements to the consultants’ community” ̵ Bridget Gilmour

DELIVERED? Opinion on the success of OSHCR since its launch 5 years ago has been divided. Many consultants say that registration has brought them new business, while some report using the register themselves to identify others who may be able to support them in times of excessive workloads. On the other hand, others have shunned registration, not convinced by its value. One who has had positive experience of the register is Bridget Gilmour, founder of Hundred Acre, a safety and training consultancy. She comments: “I have been contacted about work from the register both from clients searching online and from clients that have been directed to it by an HSE Inspector. Even clients that have found me through other routes have used the register to validate my credentials. At £60 or £70 per year it is one of the most cost effective ways of marketing your services.” She continues: “I particularly welcome the new feature which allows those seeking a consultant to advertise their requirements to the consultants’ community. I hope this will lead to greater understanding of exactly what business need and how a qualified consultant can help.”

In a recent article for IOSH magazine, former HSE Chair Judith Hackett was reported as saying that OSHCR was in need of a radical rethink. She commented: “I have my doubts as to whether OSHCR in its current form can deliver. We would probably be better off to have a much more radical rethink and look more closely at when expertise is needed and how that’s defined.” Her comments stirred considerable debate, with some agreeing while others said they were “annoyed” by the line taken towards OSHCR when responding to the article on the IOSH online forum. However, most agree that the profile of OSHCR needs to be raised among the business community, who after all can only realise the benefits of an online consultants register if they are aware of its existence. When ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’ was published in 2010, some hoped for a statutory scheme that would require anyone offering health and safety consultancy services in the UK to meet certain standards. The intention with OSHCR was to create a mechanism by which professional bodies could work together to ensure that standards were raised. The Common Sense, Common Safety Report made it clear that if this was not achieved, then a statutory scheme could not be ruled out. For more information about OSHCR, visit: www.oshcr.org

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IOSH: A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE OF OSH COMPETENCE

A blueprint for the future of OSH competence Occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have been given a first glimpse of a new global model for defining competency in OSH. Developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and a cross-sector group of industry experts, IOSH Blueprint aims to provide a worldwide benchmark for best practice in the profession.

ccupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have been given a first glimpse of a new global model for defining competency in OSH. Developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and a cross-sector group of industry experts, IOSH Blueprint aims to provide a worldwide benchmark for best practice in the profession. The new framework was unveiled by IOSH during its annual conference, which was attended by around 800 delegates from across the world. Designed for both the OSH professional and any organisation, IOSH Blueprint will, for the first time, provide individuals and businesses with a shared framework for safety and health skills and capability, available online and free to access, the delegates heard.

24 28

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IOSH executive director of policy, Shelley Frost, said: “There’s a clear and growing wave of change that we’ve been seeing for several years, where safety and health is becoming more recognised as a material issue for organisations. “Increasingly, organisations are taking a more positive approach, ensuring health and safety has increasing influence on their values and culture. “With the framework more focused on engagement, influence and strategic planning, Blueprint will ensure the safety and health professional is better equipped to deliver their role with a greater understanding of this business context.” The first component of Blueprint – a self-assessment tool enabling OSH professionals to assess their competencies and produce professional profiles and development plans – was released earlier this year to IOSH members. In 2017, the profession will be able to use IOSH Blueprint to access new knowledge and skills training through a ‘knowledge bank’ of resources. A full schedule for the phased roll-out of the framework will be revealed by the institution in the coming months. Through IOSH Blueprint, organisations worldwide will be able to assess their current skills and capability and determine their future needs, enabling them to deliver their vision for safety and health.

“IOSH Blueprint will set the standard for ‘what good looks like’ in OSH competence, enable the benchmark of best practice and establish a common language in OSH globally.”

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IOSH: A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE OF OSH COMPETENCE

“We now have an authoritative, reliable roadmap for developing the profession and the people in it. It’s a big opportunity – it has mapped the world of health and safety.”

Shelley Frost, Executive Director – Policy

Shelley said: “The profession has been testing it since March this year and their feedback has been really positive, and we’re delighted that we’re able to announce this game-changing development. “For organisations, IOSH Blueprint will set the standard for ‘what good looks like’ in OSH competence, enable the benchmark of best practice and establish a common language in OSH globally. Multinational businesses and other organisations will be able to adopt IOSH Blueprint, establishing the model as the standard-setter and framework for safety and health competency worldwide.” Karl Simons, head of safety, health and wellbeing at Thames Water, is one of a number of senior managers to have helped IOSH design and test Blueprint. He said: “IOSH is a global professional body that supports members across all continents – this tells us the diversity of health and safety professionals we have should not be underestimated. “IOSH Blueprint will enable each member to now actively understand their own personal development areas, which are much wider than simply being a technical health and safety professional as it encompasses the development areas that should be considered for a rounded business professional. “In addition it also will enable the health and safety professional to look at the development areas within the organisation, which is very exciting.”

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Leaders in occupational safety and health who attended IOSH 2016 gave an overwhelmingly positive response following the framework’s unveiling. Liz Skelton, group head of health and safety at Dixons Carphone, said: “The announcement was great. It is an amazing opportunity for practitioners to really understand where they are in their career development. It is also an opportunity to really raise the bar of the profession.” David Sharp, managing director at International Workplace, said: “We now have an authoritative, reliable roadmap for developing the profession and the people in it. It’s a big opportunity – it has mapped the world of health and safety.” Gail Wroth, head of production and safety at Liverpool Philharmonic, said: “I love the new term, Blueprint. It is a term we use a lot at Liverpool Philharmonic so it really fits in well with my organisation. It is going to be really useful and a great way of judging levels of competency.”

Dr Karen McDonnell, IOSH President

Leading the way in OSH The unveiling of IOSH Blueprint was part of a programme of presentations, workshops and other activities – themed around influential leadership – at IOSH 2016, which took place at ExCeL London on 21-22 June. The institution’s president, Dr Karen McDonnell, told delegates that by working together they can “shape the future” of the profession. She said: “Our members are leading the way in changing attitudes and cultures in workplaces. It is through their hard work that safety and health is now being spoken about at boardroom level. “Together we can shape the future of the profession so that employees in all parts of the globe are kept out of harm’s way, and organisations can realise the value of a great safety and health culture. “Key to shaping the future is influential leadership.” She added: “So what is influential leadership? To be an influential leader, do you have to be a CEO or a senior manager? “I would suggest not. Influential leaders can be found at all levels of organisations, and that includes safety and health professionals like IOSH members.”

Sir Clive Woodward

He said safety and health professionals, and those in other industries, need to be prepared for any situations which arise so they can think correctly. The experience of the Chinese synchronised divers at the 2004 Olympics was cited by Sir Clive as an example of a team not handling a pressure situation. The divers, who were favourites for the gold medal, were put off their normal routine by a long delay caused by a member of public getting into the diving area. The result was that they made a mess of their final jump and finished outside of the medals. “Winners perform at their best when the pressure is at its greatest,” Sir Clive said. Sir Clive said it is important to have talented people within an organisation, adding there are three key ways of leveraging that talent. The first is ‘know-how’. He said organisations need to bring together the knowledge of everyone to be successful. The second way of leveraging talent, he said, is dealing with pressure. The third is ‘teamship’, which he said was a style of leadership which gives members of a team the chance to have their input into a way of working.

The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward, who discussed the importance of being able to keep a clear head in pressurised situations. Sir Clive said he uses a formula called ‘T-cup’ (thinking correctly under pressure) to handle difficult situations.

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IOSH: NO TIME TO LOSE CAMPAIGN

Occupational cancer Through its position as a thought-leader for the OSH profession, IOSH is also taking a lead on raising awareness of occupational cancer. Through its No Time to Lose campaign, IOSH is highlighting this significant occupational health issue and offering practical support and advice to businesses to help them tackle five of the top risk factors for occupational cancer registrations and deaths - diesel engine exhaust emissions, solar radiation, asbestos, silica dust and shift work. Around 12,000 people in the UK lose their lives annually due to health issues developed through work. That total includes 8,000 deaths from work-related cancers, about half of which involve workers in the construction industry. In many cases, the cancer diagnosis comes years, if not decades, after the victim was exposed to a carcinogen at work.

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Encouragingly, great strides have been made to fill gaps in knowledge on work cancer and there is plenty of good advice out there to help manage the risks. As part of the campaign, the institution has published two pieces of research related to the cancer risks that exposure to solar radiation can pose to workers. IOSH-commissioned research conducted by Imperial College London found that malignant melanoma â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most deadly form of skin cancer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kills nearly 50 people each year in the UK because of exposure to solar radiation at work, with 240 new cases being registered annually. This does not include the 1,500 non-melanoma skin cancer cases caused by work each year. A second IOSH-commissioned study by the University of Nottingham also reported a lack of awareness of the risks of solar radiation in the construction industry.

Researchers told of a ‘macho culture’ in some parts of the industry and misconceptions about the threat of UV rays in climates like the UK’s – cloud cover does not give total protection from solar radiation. The findings led IOSH to urge businesses to develop sun safety strategies that include elements such as regular updates on the UV index from weather forecasts, minimising sun exposure in the middle of the day and asking employees to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting tops and trousers. In addition, the institution recently teamed up with the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to highlight the cancer risk associated with breathing in respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Worldwide, it’s estimated that millions of employees are exposed to silica dust in the workplace.

Shelley Frost said: “Silica dust exposure is a cross-industry issue. Tackling it, therefore, requires a cross-industry approach. “We’re delighted to be working with the BOHS and HSE on this initiative. Joined-up thinking has the potential to make a real difference in tackling this major occupational health issue. “Whether you are an employer or employee, industry body or policy-maker, safety and health professional or occupational hygienist – we all have a part to play if we are to eliminate work-related cancer.” For more details about the campaign, and to access its free resources, visit www.notimetolose.org.uk.

* IOSH 2017 will take place on November 20-21, 2017, at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Birmingham. Further details to be announced.

“Silica dust exposure is a cross-industry issue. Tackling it, therefore, requires a crossindustry approach.”

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ROSPA HEALTH & SAFETY AWARDS 2016

ROSPA HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2016 2016 marks the diamond anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. HSE International discovers more about the organisation’s history and this year’s milestone ceremony.

ollowing a public meeting at Caxton Hall in 1916, it was decided to elect a London “Safety First” Council to tackle the “alarming increase in traffic accidents, and the direct connection therewith of the restricted street lighting which had been necessitated by the War conditions”. So began the organisation which was to become the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. RoSPA is a registered charity that has been at the heart of accident prevention in the UK and around the world for almost 100 years. Across the UK, there are over 14,000 deaths per year caused by accidents plus millions of other injuries, many of which are preventable. From the compulsory wearing of seatbelts and a campaign to stop drink driving, to the Cycling Proficiency Test and the ban on handheld mobile phones behind the wheel, RoSPA has been instrumental in shaping our society for the better; preventing millions of deaths and serious injuries along the way. The organisation’s mission is simple: To save lives and reduce injuries. RoSPA has a long history of successful campaigning. From highlighting how people are killed and injured in accidents and how such accidents can be prevented,

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to calling for legislative change, RoSPA is committed to speaking up for safety. Examples of the many high profile safety campaigns that have been directed by RoSPA over the years include: producing a series of workplace safety posters during World War II, aimed at improving worker safety in the industrial factories and workshops supplying the war effort; and the formation of the Tufty Club in 1961, a road safety club for the under-fives featuring the cartoon character Tufty Fluffytail (created in 1953 by the late Elsie Mills MBE). RoSPA tirelessly campaigned throughout the 1970s to make car seatbelt use compulsory in the UK - a goal that was finally achieved in 1981 after years of delays and procedural setbacks. Other important landmarks in the organisation’s history include the introduction of The Highway Code in 1931. In 1991 after a RoSPA five year campaign, the government agreed to make it mandatory for all electrical appliances to be sold with fitted plugs, and in 2001, RoSPA lobbied for a European directive of pedestrian-friendly fronts for new cars.

RoSPA commented: “Our campaigning spirit has been evident since our earliest days. In 1917, a campaign for pedestrians to walk facing oncoming traffic led to a 70 per cent fall in road deaths. We were instrumental in the introduction of the first seat belt law in 1983, with the compulsory wearing of seatbelts thought to have saved 60,000 lives. More recently, we called for the use of mobile phones while driving to be banned, with the use of handheld phones at the wheel subsequently made illegal in 2003.” The organisation believes in the importance of using evidence so accident prevention issues can be identified, campaigns prioritised and the impact of campaigns and interventions measured. RoSPA also believes that prevention should be in proportion to the risk. Campaigns that RoSPA is currently involved in include: Blind Cord Safety; Nappy Sacks; Household Cleaning Products; Electric Gates; Lighter Evenings; Young Drivers; and Injury Data. RoSPA is also a leading provider of safety training courses. It offers courses covering a diverse range of health and safety requirements including professional level NEBOSH and IOSH accredited courses.

R o SPA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2016 2016 marks the diamond anniversary of the RoSPA Health & Safety Awards. Dating back 60 years, the awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. As one of the most prestigious events in the health and safety calendar, the awards celebrate those companies who excel in safety performance. Highly respected and internationally recognised, the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards set the benchmark for exceptional health and safety practice across a wide variety of industries and have become the most sought after accolade by organisations from every sector. The RoSPA Awards programme is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas. To be considered for an award, companies are required to meet rigorous judging criteria by demonstrating their approach to improving health and safety management and creating an environment that enhances the wellbeing of its employees, as well as benefitting stakeholders.

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ROSPA HEALTH & SAFETY AWARDS 2016

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s Chief Executive, said: “The RoSPA Awards are a key fixture in the health and safety calendar and showcase organisations’ ongoing commitment to maintaining a glowing health and safety record and culture. “Our awards encourage the raising of accident and ill health prevention standards across the board and those who have gained recognition for their achievements, particularly during tough economic conditions, raise the bar for other organisations to follow, inspiring them to do likewise.” RoSPA mark Achievement Awards at Merit, Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Organisations maintaining high standards can also win a Gold Medal (for achieving five to nine consecutive Gold Awards), a President ‘s Award (for achieving 10-14 consecutive Gold Awards) and an Order of Distinction (for achieving a minimum of 15 consecutive Gold Awards). More than 20 competitive Industry Sector Awards are selected, recognising excellence in specialist areas including Construction Engineering, Education & Training Services, Healthcare Services, Mining & Quarrying, Research and Development and Transport, Storage & Distribution. The pinnacle of the RoSPA Awards scheme is the Sir George Earle Trophy. This trophy was donated to RoSPA in 1956 by Sir George Earle, then President of the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd to promote and celebrate outstanding contributions to health and safety at work. In addition, RoSPA honour Specialist Awards and Trophies including: Guardian Angel Awards; Fleet Safety Awards; the RoSPA Occupational Health Award (The Astor Trophy); and the International Dilmun Environmental Award (Sponsored by GPIC). The headline sponsor for the awards is NEBOSH the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, who continue to support the event for the tremendous contribution they feel it makes to improving health and safety standards. RoSPA Gold Award winners in 2016 include: AFI-Uplift Ltd; BAM Construction Ltd – Plant; CHEP UK Limited; Joseph Ash Galvanizing; SEE Plc; and Your London Airport, Gatwick. Industry Sector Award winners in 2016 include: Education & Training Services: South and City College Birmingham Forestry: Acorn Environmental Management Group Ltd Manufacturing: Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd Order of Distinction Winners 2016 include: 3M Health Care – Loughborough; Calderdale College; Fabricom Oil Gas & Power Limited; Kier Construction – Eastern; Siemens Managed Services and many more.

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“These health and safety awards promote the importance of occupational health and safety. HSE appreciates and commends RoSPA’s work to raise awareness of a sensible and proportionate approach to managing risks in the workplace.” The Health & Safety Executive AWARDS CEREMONY & GALA DINNER 2016 For this years’ diamond anniversary, RoSPA entertained around 4000 guests over four nights, offering the perfect opportunity for organisations to celebrate their achievement and commitment to raising the standards of health and safety management. Winners received their awards at one of three glittering presentation ceremonies and gala dinners: • London, ExCeL Exhibition Centre, 21 June 2016 • Hilton Birmingham Metropole, 13-14 July 2016 • Hilton Glasgow Hotel, 15 September 2016 Hundreds of awards were handed out and after-dinner entertainment was provided by top comedians followed by live music and dancing. Any number of guests were welcome to attend, allowing all who have contributed to an organisation’s achievement to celebrate the success. The events were truly international affairs, with award winners and guests representing organisations not just from the UK, but from around the world. Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of awards and events, said: “To win an award at such a highly-regarded event as the RoSPA Awards is a great achievement for our winners. It recognises their commitment to maintaining an excellent health and safety record and raises the bar for other organisations to aspire to. We offer them our congratulations. “This year was doubly special for our winners as their achievements were recognised as the RoSPA Awards celebrated its diamond anniversary, which is a ringing endorsement of the thousands of businesses and organisations that have committed to continuous improvement in accident and ill-health prevention.” For more information on the RoSPA Awards, please visit www.rospa. com/awards/ or call the Awards Team on +44 (0)121 248 2090.

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SEE PLC

SEEing IS BELIEVING S

outh Eastern Electrical was founded in 1981 by current Chairman Neil Davey, offering electrical installation services, predominately in the Essex and South East area. South Eastern Electrical enjoyed steady and controlled organic growth over the years, extending its service offering to include electrical, mechanical, building maintenance and project services. The business earned an excellent reputation in the Retail sector by recognising the importance of working in operating environments and delivering quality installations, on time, with minimum disruption. In 2012, to avoid the misconception that South Eastern Electrical Plc were just Electrical Contractors operating in the South Eastern part of the country, the Company rebranded to SEE Plc to reflect its complete offering.

David Dicker, Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) Manager continued: “We work within the Commercial, Retail, Residential, Healthcare, Leisure, Pharmaceutical and Airport sectors in construction and provide Mechanical, Electrical and Building services; both reactive and planned. We work across all different areas of the UK depending on the service discipline. We can undertake major project works and are currently delivering a £18.2m project in London. SEE also just recently finished a mechanical contract overseas in Qatar.

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With M&E and Building Engineers available on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, SEE serves many well-known high street retail chains, commercial companies and local authorities.” SEE is a privately owned Plc in which all shareholders are actively involved in the day to day running of the business. The Company has recently extended its office and warehouse space and is well positioned to implement further growth plans in the future. RoSPA AWARDS SUCCESS For 4 consecutive years, SEE has been successful in winning the RoSPA Gold Award and the Company is proud to not just maintain but continuously improve its health and safety performance. David Dicker SHEQ Manager made the initial awards application and completed the submission with collective input from other areas within the business. With a dedicated health and safety team of competent, experienced and trained professionals, SEE ensure the delivery of its services with the utmost safety. “I understand the need for awards like RoSPA to enhance the strength of the health and safety department and to gain recognition for safety practices. We would recommend that other businesses apply for the award to celebrate their safety in the workplace and on site. It is getting more difficult as the construction industry, health and safety legislation and responsibilities change for companies

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I understand the need for awards like RoSPA to enhance the strength of the health and safety department and to gain recognition for safety practices. We would recommend that other businesses apply for the award to celebrate their safety in the workplace and on site.â&#x20AC;?

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SEE PLC like us, so we need to continue to work together to adapt with the industry and strive to embrace a no harm culture throughout SEE and the industry as a whole.” David commented.

Congratulations to SEE plc on their RoSPA Awards success Coolair have been proud to work with SEE plc for many years Specialist in design, installation and maintenance of Renewable heating, Air conditioning and Ventilation services since 1980

www.coolair.co.uk

sales@coolair.co.uk

www.ajartec.com 0800 612 2680 Congratulations to SEE plc on their RoSPA Awards success

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HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Health and safety is of the utmost importance in any modern business. SEE recognise their responsibilities to both employees and the communities in which they work, to provide successful and safe projects that add value. To manage the overall health and safety at the Company, an experienced team of health, safety and environmental specialists including management and advisors coordinate and manage health and safety, monitoring implementation and compliance. SEE have an integrated Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Management System in place and are committed to a zero harm approach on all projects. David continued, “We fully manage health and safety on all sites and understand the importance of health, safety and risk management. “We have a health and safety policy and arrangements procedure, which clearly states our commitments and responsibilities. Our policy sets the trend and behavioral traits of our employees, we provide additional health and safety training; ensuring we exceed requirements. “To ensure standards are maintained, we undertake site inspections, health and safety committee meetings and our board of directors are responsible for reviewing the health and safety policy and procedures. Employees are made aware that they are responsible for health and safety and we provide vigorous training to support them. “We always look to improve our safety policies, procedures and the way in which we communicate, to enable our employees to preserve their own wellbeing as well as others. The SEE culture is made from the health and safety standards we create and provide and this is maintained through robust, consistent assessments, inspections and audits. “We have such a commitment to safety that our Mechanical Director Chris Philips is attending an IOSH Safety for Senior Executives course in September 2016, which will enable Chris to operate at policy and strategic levels within all SEE business sectors; thus reducing risk and liability.” SEE does not produce any emissions or pollutants that come under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations issued by DEFRA. The company have identified that their most significant impacts on the environment include: disposal and recycling of waste, energy and water usage, transport and company car usage. SEE have policies in place to prevent and minimise all environmental impacts on their projects and strive to reduce these impacts, continuously improving year on year. David continued: “Our SHE team are based in the office as well as on site to provide guidance and advice to all and to help and assist employees. We have an open door policy for suggestions and initiatives to improve health and safety.

“We always look to improve our safety policies, procedures and the way in which we communicate, to enable our employees to preserve their own wellbeing as well as others.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SEE PLC

“SEE like to engage all employees in the business to understand their views and opinions. We believe that individuals work in different ways and at different speeds, and therefore we like to share our expertise and lessons learnt. “We believe a great workforce is built on trust and this culture drives business performance. We ensure our employees feel supported and trust their colleagues and managers. Trust is a defining principal for SEE and enables credibility and pride in their job and workforce. “We have a passion for health and safety and ensuring the safety of our staff and the public. We see health and safety as a mutual responsibility and have arrangements in place to assist with ensuring a healthy and safe working environment. We also have comprehensive training in place to inform and make people aware of their personal responsibilities for health and safety. “Communication is key and we provide toolbox talks where employees can provide suggestions and ideas. We involve our employees in our dialogue, as the more employees feel that they are listened to and making a difference, the more forthcoming they are. “We strive to use our own directly employed workforce (over 200 staff) wherever possible and only use subcontractors for specialist works. “We monitor our subcontractors to ensure efficiency and to identify any potential issues before they arise. All subcontractors have to abide by our health, safety and environmental standards and are treated in exactly the same manner as our directly employed staff. We have

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“We believe a great workforce is built on trust and this culture drives business performance. We ensure our employees feel supported and trust their colleagues and managers.” adopted a policy of close and regular communication with our supply chain through managed processes and initiatives. “As a family owned business, we know that our people are at the core of our business and continuous success. We want SEE to be the best in everything we do. Being the best means gaining and maintaining the great reputation SEE has built over the last 34 years.” MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS SEE are members of several accreditation schemes such as: SafeContractor, RoSPA, Constructionline, Altius, EXOR and CIRAS. This enables the Company to be a Safety Schemes In Procurement (SSIP) member; to actively reduce health and safety assessment costs and to provide a quicker and more efficient service to their clients who can view health and safety information online.

2016 AND BEYOND SEE have several targets for 2016 and beyond, for health, safety, the environment and as a company. SEE are also committed to the challenge that has been set for the construction industry to reach the Government’s ambitious 2025 targets: • • •

Lowering construction costs and the whole life cost of built assets by 33% Lowering emissions by 50% Delivering projects 50% faster

Methods for meeting the objectives within SEE’s Environmental Management Programme include: • • • •

Achieve ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management accreditation for the whole business by the end of 2016/2017 (Already achieved for SEE Rail Ltd) Eliminate waste to landfill by 2020 Reduce energy consumption in office and operations by 10% Reduce CO2 emissions from its fleet by 20%

SEE recognise that their operations have an effect on the communities and environment in which they operate. The Company is fully committed to operating in a socially responsible manner, supporting a number of local communities and social / charitable causes such as The Dream Factory, as well as running operations in an environmentally sustainable manner. SEE can provide a complete package of services, from design, supply, installation and completion to maintenance

solutions; being a principal contractor or subcontractor on site managing all aspects of health, safety and site management. Safety is embedded into the SEE culture and their vigorous, consistent approach enables the Company to have an outstanding safety record. David concluded: “We are adaptable and flexible to client needs and build and maintain relationships; providing long lasting innovative solutions. We believe that much of our success can be attributed to the values that we hold and that are embedded throughout the organisation. “We are committed to ensuring that we provide a motivational, fulfilling and fun environment in which to work. We focus hard on recruiting and retaining the best skilled people, recognising their achievements and rewarding their efforts. “We will continue to imbed a no harm culture throughout SEE and maintain health and safety standards. We hope to achieve OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards for the whole company by 2017 (SEE Rail Ltd already accredited), and the RoSPA Gold Award in 2017. We will continue to enhance training skills and training plans for all SEE employees and provide greater communication of health and safety. “Continuous improvement is key to ensure a successful, strong and safe business.” For more information, please visit www.see-plc.com

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ROSPA AWARDS 2016: CALDERDALE COLLEGE

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Calderdale College recently achieved the RoSPA Order of Distinction. HSE International spoke to Ray Newell, Health & Safety Manager about inspiring success in education, safety and health.

alderdale College is the largest provider of further education (post-16) courses and work-based learning (Apprenticeships) and the sole provider of higher education awards in Calderdale, a Metropolitan Borough in West Yorkshire. The original college facility (Halifax Technical College) was founded in 1893 and classes began in 1896. There were just 1000 students, 23 part time teachers, one full time teacher and, presumably, a Principal. Halifax Technical College offered courses in textiles, engineering, chemistry, commerce and ‘women’s work’. Today, Calderdale College accommodates approximately 400 staff and around 6000 full and part time students. With a thriving curriculum, the college offers a wide range of full and part time courses in addition to work-based learning opportunities. In recent years the college has been redeveloped, with additions including a new sports hall, a full size 3G pitch and dual purpose grass sports pitch built to Sport England standards. The college has also gained a £1m state-of-theart purpose built Brick Workshop supported by members of the Guild of Bricklayers. “On top of that, we’ve established a £6m Technology Centre with Plumbing, Electrical & Engineering and Metal Fabrication Workshops.”

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Calderdale College Refurbishment Calderdale College is currently undertaking a multimillion pound building programme to transform three floors of the main campus into state-of-the-art learning facilities. The Unlocking Potential project started in November last year and is due for imminent completion. Co-funded by the college and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, this exciting development will allow Calderdale College to deliver new courses to meet local skills and employment needs. “G Floor will be transformed into a Digital Skills and Business Enterprise Centre to deliver new courses in Games Design, Video Editing, Visual Effects and Computer Sciences. “E Floor will become a new Health Industries Learning and Training Facility offering courses in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health & Social Care and Childcare. “The final stage of the building programme will see the creation of a state-of-the-art Learning Centre (LC) housing the latest digital technology, print resources and social spaces that are essential for learning and employability in the 21st Century.”

“The RoSPA Order of Distinction is a very prestigious honor for the college as the award recognises our success in winning 20 Gold Awards.” 44

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1. Refurbished LC Lighting system Ray Newell - Health & Safety Manager / Unlocking potential Liason Officer

2. Welding and Fabrication workshop

RAY NEWELL - HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER / UNLOCKING POTENTIAL LIAISON OFFICER “I have a diploma in Health and Safety Management from the British Safety Council, am a Technical Member of IOSH and a member of the IIRSM. I have also undertaken extensive IOSH training. “I look after the health, safety and wellbeing of the staff and learners at the college. I undertake fire, building and departmental risk assessments and deliver fire safety awareness and basic construction site information to learners. “I am also responsible for organising the health and safety training for staff. We use a system called Safesmart™ Smartlog™, an online based training which includes: • A fully digital management process support facility • Automated check and test facilities • Self-monitoring Risk Assessments for Fire, Health & Safety and many other school related needs • Automated fire safety log book with reminders • Fire awareness training for ALL staff • Fire warden training for ALL staff • A suite of school related and legally required training courses

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING Health and safety is of paramount importance across the whole of Calderdale College. Undoubtedly, there is a duty of care to end users, particularly in catering for the diverse range of learners including mature students and those with a specific learning difficulty or disability. “Most of our curricular activities involve the delivery of health and safety in accordance to the specific requirements of each particular subject; from Woodwork to Hairdressing and even Animal Care. A safety culture is instilled in all our learners as they work through their courses, with the objective of reducing accidents and incidents. “The college has an ongoing Occupational Health Surveillance programme which is reviewed annually, ensuring that we look after our staff well. We also have programmes in place for noise, hand-arm vibration and dermatitis (since there is a possibility of contact with carcinogens with some of our trades). “We have a staff Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group which is chaired by our Deputy Principal, Finance & Resources. This group meets each month and we identify and discuss various topics such as mental health awareness, diabetes, stopping smoking, heart health and wellbeing. Recently, we took part in Walk to Work Week and also set up a challenge for college staff to take a walk around the local park at lunchtime, rather than sitting at their desks. We supplied maps for local walks and areas of interest and had some success in getting people out on their feet.

“Safesmart™ also covers Manual Handling, Food Hygiene Training, Health and Safety at Work and a number of other courses.”

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ROSPA AWARDS 2016: CALDERDALE COLLEGE

Contact: James Hart, Sales & Projects Director 07868 779373 www.cpnorthern.co.uk CPN Lighting Control supply and commission intelligent, fully addressable automated lighting control systems. A wide range of aftercare services are available through our dedicated maintenance team which offer planned, preventative and reactive site visits in addition to telephone support and remote support services. We supply a class leading range of DALI enabled LED emergency lighting which can be tested and monitored through the use of our graphical head end software package.

“We also offer exclusive memberships to our gymnasium to encourage healthy activities within our facilities. “Aside from our learners and staff, each of our subcontractors goes through a detailed screening process to ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards. We try to use local companies (who can respond quickly) for day to day support in areas such as plumbing and electrical works. These areas can be quite active considering the age of the college and our extensive refurbishment activities. “From a professional perspective, the new part of our campus is very high tech. We work with CP Northern to maintain our lighting redevelopments, as our onsite technicians aren’t qualified to provide the necessary maintenance requirements.” SAFEGUARDING POLICY Safeguarding is a core element of all aspects of college activity. The term safeguarding refers to the broader planning and procedures that are necessary to be in place to protect all learners, staff and visitors and minimise risk from potential harm. Calderdale College recognises that it has a statutory and moral duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults receiving education and training at the college. It is the policy of the college to ensure that: • A safe learning environment is provided for all • Children and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm are identified • Appropriate action is taken to ensure that such children and vulnerable adults are kept safe • The college has detailed procedures to provide a clear direction to staff and application of these procedures is mandatory. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Calderdale College has an Environmental Policy and in keeping with this, its Sustainable and Environmental Technologies Centre comprises specialist sustainable technologies, including photo-voltaic panels, solar hot water installations, rainwater recycling, a wind turbine, a demonstration plant room and wind catcher ventilation installations; all of which enabled the building to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

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“Our waste management is provided by a local company who recycle for us as we don’t have the facilities for specific recycling points on campus. They produce a monthly report indicating how much of our waste has gone to landfill and exactly what has been recycled. These statistics are used by our governors to ensure we are being corporately responsible.” ACCREDITATIONS Calderdale College is a member of RoSPA, the Association of Colleges and a number of local and regional safety groups. “Our accreditations include the Investors in People Standard and Investors in Diversity Standard. We are aiming to achieve the Investors in Excellence Standard, which will be assessed in November this year. RoSPA ORDER OF DISTINCTION “This submission process took about 3 weeks to complete. I had to answer various questions about the college, our safety activity and culture, policy and procedures, and risk assessments etc., and also our accident and RIDDOR statistics in comparison to previous years. “The RoSPA Order of Distinction is a very prestigious honor for the college as the award recognises our success in winning 20 Gold Awards. We are very proud of our achievement and will certainly continue to enter the RoSPA awards in years to come.” COLLEGE VALUES “Integrity - We speak and act truthfully, admit our mistakes and honour our commitments. “Respect - We value learners and colleagues as individuals, celebrating and accommodating both differences and similarities and encouraging diversity, originality and innovation. “Fairness - We treat students and colleagues fairly, provide opportunities for individual success, apply rules with equity and expect the same in return. “Openness - We share information, ideas and feelings; listen carefully, speak forthrightly, respect diverse views and participate productively in dialogue. “Enjoyment - We take our learning and work seriously and ourselves lightly. “High Expectations - We have high expectations of ourselves, our learners our colleagues and our partners and support each other to meet them. “In keeping with the College Values and as a health and safety professional, I will add that we must not be frightened of sharing information. Health and safety managers should be encouraged to share with other health and safety professionals, as openness and collaborative dialogue is key to achieving best practice. I think health and safety is an ongoing process, as is college life for our learners and staff alike, so we must work together to inspire and succeed in a safe and healthy manner.” For more information, please visit www.calderdale.ac.uk

1. Woodwork Machinery Workshop

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The college has an ongoing Occupational Health Surveillance programme which is reviewed annually, ensuring that we look after our staff well. We also have programmes in place for noise, handarm vibration and dermatitis (since there is a possibility of contact with carcinogens with some of our trades).â&#x20AC;?

2. Plumbing Workshop

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED

Afton Chemical combines chemistry, engineering and innovation to create high performance specialty chemicals. HSE International spoke to Benn Heatley, EHS Specialist about leading efforts to prevent injury, ensure good health and protect the environment.

fton Chemical has a long history stretching back into the late-1800s beginning as Albemarle Paper Manufacturing. Key milestones in that journey included when Floyd D. Gottwald became president of Albemarle in 1941 and began looking to acquire a chemical company. In 1962, in the largest buy-out in U.S. history, Albemarle acquired Ethyl Gasoline Corporation and adopted the name Ethyl Corporation. To this day, the symbol of NewMarket (the parent company of Afton Chemical) is that of a whale, to symbolise this buy-out which at the time, was referred to as “Jonah & the Whale” by Forbes. The company grew rapidly and in 2004, Ethyl Petroleum Additives changed its name to Afton Chemical Corporation and has ever since been on an astonishing rise in the industry. Afton Chemical technology helps fuels burn cleaner and more efficiently, engines run smoother and machines last longer. The company develops and manufactures petroleum additives that enhance the functionality of lubricating oils and fuels, to improve their performance in machinery, vehicles and other equipment. Afton Chemical offers performance fuel additives and refinery chemicals, such as: gasoline performance additives, diesel fuel additives, lubricity improvers and cold flow improvers; driveline products, such as automotive gear oil and automatic transmission fluid additives; engine oil additives for

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passenger car engines, heavy duty diesel engines and railroad and marine diesel engines; and additives for industrial products such as antiwear and R&O (rust and oxidation) hydraulic oils, industrial gear oils, grease and industrial specialty chemicals. Today, Afton Chemical operates with a global reach and localised knowledge. The company has regional offices in 20 countries and a reliable supply chain serving 115 countries, with state of the art research and development (R&D) centres in the UK, US, Japan and China. “In Bracknell we head-up the EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa, India) region. The Bracknell site itself is also one of our major R&D centres looking at design, development, testing, sales and marketing of our products. We have over 220 people on site, with state-of-the-art facilities and many extremely highly qualified scientists, engineers and others. We work on global products that find their way into the entire global Afton Chemical supply chain.” BENN HEATLEY, EHS SPECIALIST “My role is fundamentally about looking after our people. If I were to summarise this, it would be by leading our Vision of Zero in the locations for which I am responsible, by minimising the risk of injury, promoting good health and environmental protection. I have a particular focus on the management of chemicals as this is a fundamental part of our business. However, my

“We are really proud of receiving this award, particularly as the RoSPA award is a prestigious honour that many organizations never achieve.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED

“It has been pleasing to me that we have continued to maintain safe operations whilst going through a time of substantial growth and change, including extensive construction activities.” RoSPA AWARD “We are really proud of receiving this award, particularly as the RoSPA award is a prestigious honour that many organizations never achieve. “Over the last three years at our Bracknell site, we have undertaken significant site developments to grow our business. It has been pleasing to me that we have continued to maintain safe operations whilst going through a time of substantial growth and change, including extensive construction activities. Two headline achievements for the site during this period of construction include recently hitting 1,000,000 man-hours on site without a lost-time incident, and a significantly decreasing incident rate year-on-year. We are therefore particularly pleased to receive a RoSPA award recognising our organisation’s commitment to excellent EHS management. “We see this as the start of the journey. Moving forward, we are committed to continual improvement, will target ever enhanced performance and look to achieve our aspiration of zero injuries incidents. Benn Heatley, EHS Specialist

role goes beyond this, encompassing all areas of good EHS management, including management of hazardous machinery, assessment of noise risks, vehicle operations, ergonomics and incident investigation. I am assisted on site by my colleague, Melissa Munday, who is in the process of training to become a qualified EHS professional. She assists in all areas and has been an instrumental support in pushing things forward. “My role also has a regional aspect as I provide support to a number of our locations in the EMEAI region. For example, recently I have advised on environment, health and safety practices through the development of a new contract laboratory in India and the safe operation of bulk storage operations in UAE. I also form part of Afton Chemical Corporation’s global EHS Leadership committee, which shapes the organisation’s strategic path for EHS on a global basis. “I moved into health and safety after graduating top of my year at university, gaining a 1st class chemistry degree. I have since worked in the chemical and associated industry in health and safety related roles in a few guises, starting my career in chemical emergency response. “I am a chartered member of IOSH and hold a NEBOSH diploma. I have undertaken many specialist health and safety training sessions in my career so far, including processes safety management, industrial hygiene, fire risk assessment, noise assessment and many more.

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HEALTH & SAFETY GOALS • Provide a safe work environment • Maintain a work force committed to safety • Promote a culture of safety in the communities in which we operate

“We achieved ISO 14001 for our Bracknell site nearly three years ago. Indeed, all of the sites in the Afton Chemical network are either ISO 14001 or RC 14001 certified. Our near-future goal is to further develop our systems and progress along the path of continuous improvement.”

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION Sauget, IL: RC 14001® Richmond, VA headquarters: RC 14001 Richmond Research & Development: RC 14001 Ashland VA, Technical Center: RC 14001 Port Arthur, TX: RC 14001 Bedford Park, IL: RC 14001 Feluy, Belgium: ISO 14001 Hyderabad India: ISO 14001 Rio de Janeiro: ISO 14001 Suzhou, China: ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Manchester & Bracknell, UK: ISO 14001

Safety performance is an indicator of overall company performance, so Afton Chemical has developed an environmental protection, health, safety and security (EHS) management program that is embraced by every level of the company. “At Afton Chemical, we believe safety comes first, and we make safety the responsibility of every employee.” All employees take responsibility for their own individual safety and the safety of their coworkers. Employees are actively involved as a team to prevent accidents and demonstrate safety excellence through intervention and personal example.

Afton Chemical is well advanced in implementing the EU REACH regulation and has assisted many of its customers with their REACH obligations. Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals The REACH Regulation entered into force on 1st June 2007 to streamline and improve the former legislative framework for chemicals in the European Union. REACH requires that all chemical substances that are manufactured or imported into the EU at ≥ 1MT be registered. The obligation for carrying out the registrations falls on EU manufacturers, importers and Only Representatives. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) based in Finland is the regulatory body which manages the technical and administrative aspects of REACH. Registration Progress During the pre-registration phase of REACH which lasted from 1 June to 1 December 2008, Afton Chemical successfully pre-registered over 300 existing substances. This was followed by the full registrations of the necessary high volume (> 1,000 MT) substances which had a deadline of November 30, 2010, and then the 100 - 1,000 MT substances before May 31, 2013. Afton Chemical was the lead registrant for several of these substances and is now working on compiling dossiers for substances in the 1 – 100 MT category that have a registration deadline of May 31, 2018.

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED

SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) One of the goals of REACH is to restrict the commerce of high hazard chemicals through the Authorisation process. An EU Member State or ECHA must first nominate a high hazard chemical to the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list before a substance would be considered for Authorisation. In general, a substance might be considered for addition to the SVHC list if it is a CMR (carcinogen, mutagen and/or reproductive toxin), PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic), vPvB (very persistent, very bioaccumulative) and/or would otherwise pose serious effects to human health or the environment. If a substance is nominated, the REACH regulation has a provision for industry/public response prior to addition to the SVHC list. Afton Chemical closely monitors the Candidate list and ECHA’s recommendations for Authorisation. The appearance of a substance on the Candidate list does not automatically mean that the substance will eventually be listed on Annex XIV, the list of substances subject to Authorisation. Should a product contain a Candidate listed substance at >0.1%, Afton Chemical will work with suppliers and customers to assess the implications of this listing and address any customer concerns.

fton Chemical are proud members of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® scheme. Responsible Care® is the chemical industry’s leading initiative to continually improve health, safety and environmental performance and is Afton Chemical’s public declaration of this intent.

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“We achieve this through two principal programs; our Vision of Zero and Actively Caring. “Our Vision of Zero speaks to our commitment to continual improvement. We have an ethos that accidents shouldn’t happen and that risk should be properly controlled to prevent serious events. We have commitment and buy-in throughout the organisation in pushing forward with this vision. “Actively Caring is our principal EHSprogram aimed at our people. We use it as a way to keep the focus on safety at all times and encouraging all of our people to support one another in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. It is part of our core culture and can be specifically seen through activities such as having an ‘Actively Caring Moment’ at the start of every meeting and encouraging all employees to report ‘Actively Caring Events’ through our easy to use portal. “Since implementing the program, our safety record has been widely recognised for reducing and preventing injury. In addition to promoting safety in the workplace, we extend this commitment to the communities in which we operate. “We are a people focused organisation. We therefore aim to deliver the best to our people in terms of occupational health and well-being. We undertake industrial hygiene monitoring in order to ensure our array of controls for hazardous substances remain effective. In addition, we as an organisation promote healthy living and well-being for the whole workforce.”

“We believe strongly in ethical leadership that will increasingly benefit society, the economy and the environment.”

Afton Chemical works hard to make continuous progress towards its vision of “no accidents, injuries or harm to the environment. “We believe strongly in ethical leadership that will increasingly benefit society, the economy and the environment. “We pride ourselves on our ability to form partnership relationships with other organisations with whom we work that go beyond simple translational relationships. We form such relationships with suppliers, consultants and subcontractors; it helps us gain a deeper insight into not only what they can offer us as an organisation, but also how we can both achieve the best end result. We are always looking to ensure that organisations we work with uphold the high standards that we expect of ourselves and procure on the basis of an organisation’s ability to demonstrate such standards.”

fton Chemical has 6 core values; Respect for People, Unquestionable Integrity, Continually Improving Quality, Our Partners – Customers and Suppliers, Good Citizenship and Responsibility and Economic Viability. “Good Citizenship and Responsibility encompasses our approach to EHS. Our goal is to provide workplaces for employees that are safe, healthy and environmentally sound. Likewise, our presence in communities will not adversely affect safety, health or environment of our neighbours throughout the world.”

Founding member of the Responsible Care® initiative “In addition to being a founding member of the Responsible Care® initiative, Afton Chemical is an awardwinning participant in the program. By signing the declaration of support to the Responsible Care® Global Charter, we are insuring our commitment to spreading the Responsible Care® ethic globally across our company.” Rob Shama President

RISK MANAGEMENT Managing risk – to employees, customers and their end-users – is a responsibility Afton Chemical takes very seriously. “Our proactive approach has been formalised in a company-wide Product Risk Characterisation and Management Process.

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: AFTON CHEMICAL LIMITED

Product Identification “First, we define our products as purchased raw materials and produced components, which are sold or blended into Afton Chemical products. We collect all relevant data on the product from internal and external sources, including product use, chemical composition, purity, physicochemical properties, etc.

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Whilst comprehensive guidance and legislation helps to reduce the occurrence of accidents, it does not eliminate them. For the past 15 years DIPHEX LIMITED, in partnership with PREVOR Toxicology Laboratory, have worked closely with Emergency Services, Specialist Burns Units, and Government / Industrial Organisations in the UK, to improve the effectiveness of Emergency First Aid management and reduce the seriousness of injuries resulting from chemical accidents or incidents. Organisations, like AFTON CHEMICALS, have chosen to install DIPHEX products, which are classified as Medical Devices and conform to the European Standards EN15154 Parts 3 and 4, as part of their desire to improve chemical safety.

“Congratulations to AFTON CHEMICALS on being recognised for their passionate approach to Health & Safety and winning a RoSPA Silver Award 2016.” Tel: +44 (0)1622 851000 Email: enquiries@diphex.com www.diphex.com

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Hazard Assessment “Once we’ve identified a product and its properties, its hazard potential is determined through a multipronged approach. We gather physical, toxicological and environmental data from suppliers’ SDSs (Safety Data Sheets), in-house analytical data, testing, modeling, and published scientific literature. We use this information to assess the hazard potential in compliance with regulations and benchmarks: Chemical Hazard Rating System “We then classify the products according to the regulations of the world regions in which they are manufactured or supplied. Finally, the hazard classification for each of our products is published on the SDS supplied to every customer. Exposure Assessment “Another key component in our process is exposure assessment. We consider factors such as product end-use, exposure potential, exposure routes, nature of anticipated exposure and the amount of material involved in potential exposure. Based on these factors, we determine how much of the material a person or population may be exposed to and where an exposure may occur, and we assign appropriate exposure ratings. Risk Management “Risk Management is a function of the hazard of a substance and exposure to it (Risk = Hazard x Exposure). In order to best manage this, we take into account the relationship to applicable stakeholders, such as consumers, neighbours, and the environment. “Once a product is characterized, we develop a specific risk management strategy for the product commensurate with that risk. Re-evaluation “This process never ends, and re-evaluations of a product’s risk characterisation and management might occur for a number of reasons, including: • Availability of new information through research, analytical or other sources • Changes to Afton Chemical’s internal production process • Changes to ingredients • Changes to applicable regulations or standards, etc.

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP Afton Chemical is fully engaged with the definition of Product Stewardship as the “responsible and ethical management of chemicals throughout their life cycle.” The company primarily communicates the hazards of its products to its customers via Safety Data Sheets and Hazard Communication Labels. These documents and labels are produced by carefully evaluating the hazards of the raw materials which constitute the products as well as a separate evaluation of the hazards of the products themselves. “We support the principles of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and are implementing GHS in accordance with regional requirements and timelines.ʺ

fton Chemical is always looking to the future and is committed to innovative technology and world-class research. “As a company we have a Passion for Solutions®. I really think that applies just as much to the sphere of EHS as all other aspects of our business. We are passionate about what we do in leading efforts to prevent injury, ensure good health and protect the environment. But ultimately it is all about solutions and facilitating a path forward to do what needs to be done in the world of business safely. “We will continue to offer customers new and improved technologies, superior and cost-effective product performance and leading edge technical support - all driven by our Passion for Solutions®.”

“Good Citizenship and Responsibility encompasses our approach to EHS. Our goal is to provide workplaces for employees that are safe, healthy and environmentally sound.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

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FIRST CLASS LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH & SAFETY South & City College Birmingham are winners of the RoSPA Education & Training Services Sector Award 2016 for the second year running. HSE International spoke to Dawn Francis-Jones, Assistant Director Health and Safety about continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention.

outh & City College Birmingham is a vocational further education college that offers students part time, full time and apprenticeship courses, from Level 1 to Higher Education, in a wide range of subjects. The college provides vocational education to around 13,000 students and has 6 campuses across the city, including a specialist construction centre, hair and beauty salons, a student run restaurant, motor vehicle workshops, a state of the art auditorium, fully equipped music recording suites and much more. The college is led by Principal Mike Hopkins and has 1,000 members of staff. The college prides itself on providing students not only with the qualifications they need, but with excellent vocational training and hands-on experience needed to prepare them for employment. The college works closely with many top employers in the region to provide excellent work experience placements, traineeships, apprenticeships and work opportunities for students. DAWN FRANCIS-JONES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR HEALTH AND SAFETY “As a Health and Safety Manager, I work with the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Principal of the college to ensure that everyone is safe and that all needs are catered for. “I am enthusiastic, passionate and caring. Of the three, caring is possibly the most important. You need to care about your role, you need to care about your organisation,

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and most of all, you need to care about people. The moment you start seeing people as statistics, it’s over as far as I’m concerned. “My role within the educational sector is far reaching. Many people stereotype the role within a college as being insignificant with risk but it is actually quite the reverse. Therefore, it is crucial to have an effective health and safety management system. Like every organisation, we strive for excellence but we always and learn from experiences. “It is challenging being a woman in this role and despite the focus on equality in the UK, it is still difficult for some people to believe that as a woman, you have the skills to be advising on certain matters. I have found this often when delivering training of SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) courses. There is a preconceived belief that you will have insufficient experience in trades or understand construction for example, which actually happens to be a passion of mine. The assumption that as a woman, you do not have a skill in a specific trade is dismissive. Once you talk about the given trade and demonstrate that you understand the construction methodology, the situation changes. I find that sometimes, there can be a stigma and only until people meet, is that dissolved. It is however, nowhere near as bad as it was 15 years ago. “I will do whatever is necessary where health and safety is concerned. To succeed you need to have 3 things: passion, resources and support – with just one missing

“I will do whatever is necessary where health and safety is concerned. To succeed you need to have 3 things: passion, resources and support – with just one missing component you will not succeed.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

component you will not succeed. Being passionate is crucial. It is often said a practitioner should move on every 5 years to develop but this is not so if you always have your hand on the ball. Even things implemented change with technological advancements or in our case, the ever changing curriculum activities. HEALTH & SAFETY “Our basic responsibilities are ensuring that we have effective buildings to a high specification along with the elimination of risk, so that we can provide adequate premises to the public and our staff. We deliver a variety of courses, from supportive learning to hairdressing, chemistry and construction, and as we operate to industry standards, we have to ensure that we comply with the latest developments and legislation within each relative industry. “For example, my outstanding health and safety programme links with the Health & Safety Executive’s programme which is currently focusing on occupational health. 7 years ago, it was quite acceptable to use a SSP2 face mask for respiratory safety. I was aware that the regulations with RPE (respiratory protective equipment) had changed, so now we use SSP3 masks. We’re doing a lot of work around the delivery of information and education on occupational health. “It is my responsibility to support the senior management team from a strategic level, whilst at the same time ensuring the college functions effectively at operational level. “I identify the top 10 core operational hazards and with that I have an action plan. Then I have a corporate organisation implementation plan. I provide expertise on health and safety related questions and projects, guide management on regulatory compliance and programme development, investigate health and safety complaints and problems, and sometimes administer the health and safety programs of the college, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Providing information and advice. Supporting the management with the co-ordination of health and safety. Monitoring the effectiveness of required actions to meet responsibilities. Identify problems (including hazards). Assess the need for appropriate action. Assist with the assessment of risks and control measures required. Design and develop strategies and plans. Assist with the implementation of these strategies and plans. Advise on relevant current best practice for accident/incident prevention. Promote and communicate health, safety and welfare working practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of the health and safety management system. Maintain key records relating to health and safety performance. Professionally advise in an independent manner.

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“Through our innovative schemes and on-going staff training, we aim to provide safety, good health, and a secure working environment in which everyone can thrive. Working with iHASCO, we offer a range of online training sessions that staff can undertake at their own speed. “I embrace technology, frequently communicate via email and have also been a part of the development of a health and safety area on the college electronic system. I create supportive documents that are easily accessible and help. We provide full access for all staff, so if they want find out about a particular topic, they can search and the information is readily available. Additionally input into the monthly bulletin with subjects of interest, such as recent changes in the sentencing guidelines. “Regarding our Health and Safety Policy, promotion is ensuring that everybody at every level is aware of it’s existence as we are all responsible for health and safety. The structure of the policy organisation section is related to job title so everybody is conscious of where they sit and what their responsibilities are. “Everything that we do, from planning to policy, procedures, training and more is summarised with the following objectives: • • • •

Coherence Culture Compliance Competence

“I also find that one of the biggest tools in health and safety is talking to people. If you’re trying to change a culture, when you speak to people, you can encourage them to take ownership of their own health and safety. “Safety and health management is far reaching and an ongoing process, and we continue to pursue a variety of methods to effectively communicate it.” WELLBEING South & City College Birmingham is committed to ensuring that the potential for ill health or injury arising from its activities and/or premises is kept to an absolute minimum. It recognises that this duty of care for its employees extends to mental as well as physical wellbeing at work, together with a duty of care to learners, contractors and visitors to the college. The college has a free and confidential, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), recognising that with ever increasing pressures at home and in work, there are times when we all need extra support to help balance the demands of everyday life. This service is provided through BHSF by First Assist, an independent and external organisation that provides a free and completely confidential advice service to those who need it. Employees have the benefit of immediate access to a free and confidential telephone counselling service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Online stress awareness training is provided to assist employees in the knowledge of the different forms of stress; determining how to identify the effects early, to avoid illness and seek support.

“Regarding our Health and Safety Policy, promotion is ensuring that everybody at every level is aware of it’s existence as we are all responsible for health and safety.”

The Human Resources division implement systems for undertaking health assessments for new employee appointments, which ensure that employees can perform their duties without undue danger to themselves and/ or others. This allows the college to incorporate any reasonable adjustments required to support them in their roles. “We have established health surveillance to check the effectiveness of health and safety control measures and the health of individuals; to detect the early signs of work related ill health amongst those employees exposed to certain hazards. Additionally, we check the environment so that we can ensure that it is not just the individual but that activity processes are safe.” ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY South & City College Birmingham recognise that climate change is one of the major challenges facing the world today. Dawn continued, “The scale and speed of this change and its potential adverse effects on our students, staff, economy, environment and local community reinforces our commitment to take action. “Our Carbon Management Plan confirms this commitment to reducing carbon emissions and the effect we have on the environment. It sets an ambitious target for us to work towards and details how and where we will act.

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

“We have used RoSPA for training and they have attended the College to deliver the training for specific, specialised health and safety subjects.”

“We have come a long way in recent years. The significant investments we’ve made across the college campuses have improved our buildings and systems and we are already on our way to meeting our aspirational carbon reduction target. We realise that there is still much more we can do and the plan sets out projects for now and the forthcoming years. “Developed in partnership with the Carbon Trust, our plan will help us continue to develop sustainable practice. We will demonstrate our commitment to playing our part in addressing climate change, whilst still remaining efficient and effective in delivering a high quality, learner-focussed environment for our students and staff.” MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS South & City College Birmingham has achieved OHSAS 18001:2007 BS accreditation, the internationally applied British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It exists to help organisations put in place demonstrably sound occupational health and safety performance and is a widely recognised and popular occupational health and safety management system. Dawn continued: “Personally, I am a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), a member of BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Management) and of OSHCR (Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register), a register which has been developed with assistance from several professional bodies including the Health & Safety

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Executive. I’m also an associate member of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment), which all helps to support my role and personal development. RoSPA “We are proud members of RoSPA who as an organisation are faultless. Their trainers are excellent, knowledgeable, understanding, supportive, and have always gone that extra mile to support me through the things that I struggled to grasp. “I remember after sitting my diploma exams I felt lost! I actually loved attending the lessons, even on the days where I felt my head would explode as I had taken in so much information! I could have easily continued attending every month – I was truthfully never bored, dis-engaged, tired, or uninterested at any stage. “We have used RoSPA for training and they have attended the college to deliver the training for specific, specialised health and safety subjects. EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES SECTOR AWARD 2016 “This year we submitted our entry to RoSPA and we are the Education & Training Services sector winners for the second consecutive year. This in itself gives an indication of the level to which we work and continue to improve. “The award means absolutely everything and is the ultimate benchmark to reflect our hard work and commitment. It demonstrates that the lead I take on health and safety management is the correct one. It enables me to

seek to improve against the highest standards, to develop my skills as a practitioner and to maintain a leadership culture ethos, with an attitude to: • • • • • • • • • •

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“For me, this professional and engaging attitude is priceless. You can either abandon it for the sake of a qualification or embrace it to strive to be better; to take back the skills gained to support your workplace in the best possible way.” SUPPLIERS, CONSULTANTS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS The roles undertaken by suppliers, consultants and sub-contractors are very diverse and range from a Principal Contractor role through to suppliers of one-off items (necessary for the successful completion of any significant project). Contractors are involved from design and planning stages through to implementation, delivery and subsequent maintenance.

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

It can be argued that the key role of any contractor is to bring their expertise and resource to the project in question as well sharing and enhancing the vision that the client has for the task. The emphasis for South & City College Birmingham Estates is that suppliers and subcontractors provide exemplary support to the team in delivering an excellent teaching and learning environment for students and staff. The college presently engage with a core of forty plus suppliers. Dawn commented, “Our other partnering arrangements are: 1. We try to work with and employ local contractors to support the local economy and people. 2. We encourage contractors to provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for our construction students. Hundreds of students benefitted from this last year. We have a ‘Students Project’ initiative, which helps facilitate these opportunities. 3. We have suppliers who provide the college with heavily discounted materials and some free issue material. 4. We also recycle lots of the building material we use. 5. Consultants are encouraged to involve college learners in consultation and design work (to have their say and make a difference!) 6. We have the ‘in business’ club for organisations that work with the college where we provide each other with mutual support in training and business opportunities.

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“In giving something back to the community, we provide health and safety training at an affordable cost to our small to medium contractors, to assist them in developing and to also ensure that they have the appropriate support embedded for when they actually work on our premises.” Dawn concluded: “To be a good practitioner, you cannot simply get qualified and carry on. You have to constantly keep up to date with what’s happening out there to be aware of even the slightest changes. “I read many papers and briefs to stay in the loop. Take, for example, last years’ CDM regulation changes - I can honestly say I read those regulations, front to back, 5 times. It isn’t just about reading but dissecting and absorbing the information to fully understanding it for application. “I am very lucky to work for a college that has a Principal who is visionary and encouraging, and to work for Mark Jenkins (Executive Director HR) who is an ambassador to every manager out there. I think anyone who has the misfortune to manage a health and safety practitioner like myself deserves to win an award! “If I ever get to the point where I question myself, I use my IOSH Technical Helpline and ask for advice as to whether what I’m doing is right. It is really important to not be afraid of seeking support. “I do not feel that I am any better than any other health and safety practitioner out there, but what I do, I do passionately. In a sense, I see my role as being a guardian. I’m a firm person and believe you have to be firm when you’re talking about people’s lives.” For more information, please visit www.sccb.ac.uk

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;In giving something back to the community, we provide health and safety training at an affordable cost to our small to medium contractors, to assist them in developing and to also ensure that they have the appropriate support embedded for when they actually work on our premises.â&#x20AC;?

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: JOSEPH ASH GALVANIZING

TURNING STEEL INTO GOLD In conversation with Stuart Whitehouse, Director of Business Improvement.

oseph Ash, the son of a Birmingham chemist, founded the company in 1857 with a unique vision focussed upon technical expertise allied to something quite unusual for the time: outstanding levels of customer care. This guiding principle is one that has sustained the company ever since and remains at the core of everything Joseph Ash does.

WHAT IS GALVANIZING? Galvanizing is a corrosion protection process for steel, where steel is coated with zinc to prevent it from rusting. The process involves dipping cleaned iron or steel components into molten zinc (which is usually around 450°C). A metallurgical reaction between the iron and zinc forms a series of zinc-iron alloy layers creating a strong bond between steel and the coating.

Stuart Whitehouse, Director of Business Improvement.

The hot dip galvanizing process requires a number of stages to achieve the final finish. Omitting the interim rinse stages, these include the following immersions: • Degreasing uses acid or alkaline-based proprietary products, either heated or at ambient temperatures, to produce a clean, oil and grease free surface. • Pickling in dilute hydrochloric acid dissolves rust and scale to produce a ‘chemically clean’ surface that will react with the molten zinc. • Fluxing, using a standard fluxing agent such as a zinc chloride and ammonium chloride mix, at temperatures between 50°C and 70°C to help the steelwork dry after it is withdrawn. Drying is important as it helps prevent zinc splash. A separate drying stage is sometimes included. • Zinc Immersion involves dipping the clean steel into a special bath holding molten zinc at 450°C. During submersion, the zinc alloys with the iron in the steel to form zinc/iron alloy layers. As the steel withdraws from the galvanizing bath, a final free zinc layer is laid over the top of this layered base coat.

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“Joseph Ash excels in health and safety by investing in our people through the delivery of in-house, bespoke health and safety training courses aligned to the company’s business operations.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: JOSEPH ASH GALVANIZING

The life of a zinc coating is directly proportional to its thickness. Hot dip galvanizing results in a coating that not only has great abrasion resistance but one that, according to the most recent exposure tests, lasts between 34 and 170 years (before the base steel is exposed). Q Tell us about your history and capabilities as the UK leader of steel finishing services. “Today Joseph Ash Galvanizing maintains its position as the leading galvanizing service provider in the UK. With eight strategically located plants providing unrivalled technical expertise combined with industry-leading levels of customer service, Joseph Ash meets the most exacting requirements of our customers and their end users. “Currently, we are involved in projects ranging from multi-storey car parks to waste management, energy plants and overhead railway line electrification. “Our ethos of outstanding technical expertise and customer care is not just evident in the quality of the work we deliver, but also through the additional services we provide, which include collection and delivery, onsite storage facilities, bundling, packing and export containerisation, a one-stop shop service for shot blasting, galvanizing and powder coating (at our Medway plant). “Wherever you are in the UK you are never far away from a project that contains steel that Joseph Ash has galvanized. We galvanize steel for numerous industrial sectors including construction, transport, agricultural and infrastructure, to name but a few. From sports stadia to retail developments, transport, infrastructure and commercial offices - they all use galvanized steel. “Our extensive range of galvanizing bath size capacities means that we can galvanize any item, from small nuts and bolts through to large structural steelwork fabrications.” Q Can you tell us about your position as Director of Business Improvement at Joseph Ash? “At Joseph Ash, I oversee all health and safety, and human resources issues within the company. With focus on succession planning and employee development, I spearhead and propel Continuous Improvement Teams within the company in order to create a culture of continuous improvement and best practice. “I am driving the review and implementation of a new, employee-generated set of company values, with an emphasis on customer care.” Q How important is health and safety to you and to what levels do you and your organisation go to ensure standards are met? “Joseph Ash excels in health and safety by investing in our people through the delivery of in-house, bespoke health and safety training courses aligned to the company’s business operations. Directors, managers and supervisors all hold formal health and safety qualifications. “Personally, I hold an MSc in Health Safety and Environmental Management, CIPD Diploma in Human Resources Management and am a Chartered member of IOSH. “Galvanizing at Joseph Ash plants adheres to the coatings requirements of BS EN ISO 1461:2009 and we

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operate a Quality Management System in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008. The content of this policy and the management system as a whole are both reviewed annually or in response to any significant event. “We’re extremely proud of our health and safety credentials. The future aim is for all Joseph Ash plants to receive OHSAS 18001 in 2017. “We have 3 sites that are accredited to OHSAS 18001 and this is important for the following reasons: • It reduces workplace hazards and boosts employee morale • It provides a safe environment in which to conduct operations and business • It is a framework for an occupational health and safety management system • It minimises the risk of production delays. “We recently conducted a safety climate survey to assess the safety culture on sites and the results were encouraging. The objective was to engage the workforce to identify the good, the bad and the ugly. We are implementing an action plan to further improve our safety culture based on subsequent feedback gathered from the workforce. “We have replaced all of our notice boards with digital screens. Updates are now more frequent and are visually pleasing and interesting. This also enables us to link H&S messages to other areas of the business, and initial feedback has been positive. “In terms of suppliers and subcontractors, although we don’t look for specific accreditations, we do ensure that all contractors provide the appropriate RAMS documents which are thoroughly assessed prior to any work commencing. “Health and safety is no longer viewed as a priority at Joseph Ash. It has been embedded into the company culture, so is seen as a company value and is something that we do as part of our daily routines. Priorities in business change, and the only way to continuously improve your H&S standards is to make it a part of what you do and engage with your employees at every opportunity. Q What is your approach to occupational health and well-being? “Joseph Ash has a long and well established occupational health programme that ensures our workforce remains healthy. The programme has been successful in catching a few medical conditions (not work related) early on which resulted in early contravention and treatment. If these ailments had not been identified by us, they could easily have manifested into serious conditions. “We have replaced the old vending machines at one of our sites that used to sell snacks high in sugar with much healthier choices. This has been successful and the plan is to roll this out across the company. “The company’s Manual Handling programme (including a bespoke training video and programme) also focuses on using manual handling techniques outside of work. “Our Substance Misuse Policy allows employees who have a drug or alcohol problem to come forward and speak with us. On more than one occasion, we have arranged and paid for external help and support for individuals.”

GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION The pioneering spirit of Joseph Ash led the company to be a founder member of the Galvanizers Association (GA), to provide users of galvanizing with the highest possible levels of technical and product support. The GA website was set up to provide the public with information about how the galvanizing industry is playing its part within the context of sustainable construction. Galvanizing is energy efficient throughout its production and whole lifecycle. The galvanizing process uses natural resources considerately to ensure a relatively low environmental burden. Today, the GA supports its members through a highly qualified full time team based in the West Midlands. Joseph Ash is as active as ever in providing and serving on every single committee to help mould and strengthen the Galvanizers Association’s service to specifiers and end users of galvanized steel.

“Health and safety is no longer viewed as a priority at Joseph Ash. It has been embedded into the company culture, so is seen as a company value and is something that we do as part of our daily routines.”

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RoSPA AWARDS 2016: JOSEPH ASH GALVANIZING

Proud suppliers of chemicals to Industry We are a leading UK supplier of Industrial Chemicals, including Hydrochloric Acid, holding a number of sole distributorships with leading UK producers. We own and operate our own Transport and Bulk Storage Facility ensuring maximum flexibility to meet customer requirements on a 24/7 basis.

Tel: 01493 660800 Fax: 01493 843067 Email: Jason@chemtek.co.uk www.chemtek.co.uk

RoSPA AWARDS 2016 The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards are not only internationally recognised, but have fast become the most sought after accolade by organisations from every sector. The RoSPA Awards recognise organisations for dedication and improvement in occupational health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. To win an award, entrants must demonstrate the ways in which they have continually raised the bar to maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees. Q Can you tell us about your success as winners of the RoSPA Gold Award? “Whilst customer service and quality of finish are at the heart of everything Joseph Ash does for our clients, the health and safety of employees at our plants is also our prime concern. “In recognition of our hard work when it comes to exceeding health and safety standards, we have again been awarded the Gold award from RoSPA. This is the third consecutive year we have won Gold and we couldn’t be happier. It’s an exciting year to win as RoSPA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Health and Safety Awards. “In order to be considered for the award, a panel of judges from RoSPA assessed our health and safety management policies, procedures, systems and industry leading safety record. These were reviewed and the type of award given was based on the information we provided.

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“The recognition from RoSPA is important as it helps us demonstrate that our H&S systems and processes are up to a high standard and what we are doing is right.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of awards and events, said: “To win an award at such a highly–regarded event is a great achievement for our winners. It recognises their commitment to maintaining an excellent health and safety record and raises the bar for other organisations to aspire to. We offer them our congratulations.” Stuart added, “Here’s hoping for success again in 2017!” Q How does Joseph Ash demonstrate corporate responsibility towards the environment and the world around you? “Joseph Ash works hard to protect the environment through an ever-growing list of recycling activities with processes supported by an Environmental and Sustainability Policy. “We make every effort to enhance galvanizing’s contribution to society and to ensure that the services we provide are in harmony with the natural environment, now and in the future. We are advocates for the safe use and responsible management of galvanized steel. We encourage and support waste minimization through recycling and the recovery of zinc from the waste stream. “The Joseph Ash Quality and Environmental Management System ensures all products and services provided consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory requirements, as well as international standards. The system also ensures operational impact on the environment is minimized. “Employee engagement is also important. The Quality and Environmental & Sustainability Policies are communicated to all employees via notice boards and inductions, where clear quality and environmental objectives are set. All employees familiarise themselves and comply with policy procedures and are encouraged to highlight any opportunities to improve environmental or quality performance. “We also value public consultation and employee participation, promote transparency and openness in relationships and treat employees, business partners and the communities in which our plants are located in a fair and respectful manner. “All of our plants are regulated to Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) permits. It requires each installation to have a permit containing emission limit values and other conditions based on the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and set to minimise emissions of pollutants likely to be emitted in significant quantities to air, water or land. Permit conditions also have to address energy efficiency, waste minimisation, prevention of accidental emissions and site restoration.” Q Can you offer any tips to other health, safety and environmental professionals? “Try and do something different every year. Health and safety cultures and standards can sometimes plateau, so to ensure that you keep improving, you must try different methods of engagement. It’s the small things that matter and make a difference.”

“The Joseph Ash Quality and Environmental Management System ensures all products and services provided consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory requirements, as well as international standards. The system also ensures operational impact on the environment is minimized.”

Q Why should customers select Joseph Ash Galvanizing? “Why use Joseph Ash? Simply because we are the UK’s premier hot dip galvanizer. Our guiding principle of providing outstanding levels of customer care has sustained the company for over 150 years and remains at the core of everything we do. We maintain our position as the leading UK provider by offering unrivalled technical expertise, industry leading levels of customer service and by treating every customer as an individual to service their most exacting requirements. We really are ‘the best’!” For more information, please visit www.josephash.co.uk or call 0121 504 2573.

Unit 23 Horton Court, Hortonwood 50, Telford, Shropshire TF1 7GY

Specialists in providing bespoke occupational health services and health screening/surveillance programs. Services include: Audiometry, Spirometry, Hand arm vibration screening, Safety critical medicals, Sickness absence management, Health promotion, Drug & Alcohol testing, Workplace risk assessments.

“Congratulations to Joseph Ash Galvanizing on winning the RoSPA Gold Award”

01952 670 665 info@spiritoccupationalhealth.co.uk www.spiritoccupationalhealth.co.uk

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ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS

POWERING IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY HSE International spoke to Suleman Alli, Director of Safety, Strategy and Support Services at the UK’s leading electricity distributor, about how to continuously improve safety culture and performance.

eeping the lights on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England (about a quarter of the UK) is no small task. As one of the UK’s leading DNOs, UK Power Networks owns and runs vast networks of substations, underground cables and overhead lines to deliver power to customers regardless of who they pay their energy bills to. Dealing with high voltage electrical equipment which carries up to 132,000kV can be a dangerous job but at UK Power Networks safety comes first. Everyone, from engineers in the field, to office-based environmental experts behind the scenes, know that if a task is not safe, they have the power to decide to postpone or cancel - until it is. The culture is that every job will be done safely no matter how important or urgent. Having robust safety systems, policies and procedures in place is key for UK Power Networks, and engaging its 5,600 people to make choices to adhere to those systems is just as important. The company has an excellent safety record, but being in such a good place doesn’t just happen. “We acknowledge that we cannot be complacent and must always strive for improvement across the business,” Sul commented. ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES Sul joined the company as a director in May 2015 with 15 years’ experience delivering business transformation, company restructures and operational performance improvements across the gas, water and electricity sectors.

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Suleman Alli, Director of Safety, Strategy and Support Services

“There are also videos on our website about what to do in an emergency / power cut. So far this year, we’ve reached out to around 135,000 people.”

At his side is Head of Health and Safety, Peter Vujanic who, prior to working at UK Power Networks, was a HM Principal Specialist Inspector at the Health & Safety Executive. Peter said, “Today, I see my role as helping UK Power Networks protect its people, communities and the environment from harm. “It’s about setting the overall Safety, Health and Environment framework for the company to meet this aim. This is underpinned by promoting and raising awareness through thought provoking and engaging communications. We put rigour and passion into our governance processes to ensure we learn from when things don’t go as planned, and innovate as much as possible to ensure continuous improvement.” PUBLIC SAFETY Sul continued: “As part of our business plan (called RIIO-ED1), we committed to reach two million people with our safety messages over the eight-year period, from 2015 to 2023. We will achieve this through face-to-face engagement with schools, businesses, farming, construction, demolition and leisure communities.” UK Power Networks run a Power Up! website to help raise awareness about staying safe around electricity equipment with schools and educational groups.

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ENERGY & UTILITIES: UK POWER NETWORKS

“We also support and attend community safety events and provide safety leaflets to download on our website on a range of specific topics including angling, farming and boating. There are also videos on our website about what to do in an emergency / power cut. So far this year, we’ve reached out to around 135,000 people.”

company who could influence the whole organisation. Creating a ground swell of positive peer pressure within the organisation meant:

STAFF SAFETY STAY SAFE CAMPAIGN UK Power Networks has made great strides in recent years improving its safety performance. Sul explained: “A few years ago, following several annual employee surveys, we invested considerable time, money and effort in improving safety systems. We realised that a step change in safety culture was needed because people still lacked the sense of empowerment to make a difference - to report near misses for example. “We introduced Stay Safe – an innovative training system using psychology and imaginative methods to develop staff skills. Stay Safe made people aware of their own choices and behaviours to; challenge themselves to maintain diligence, not let bad habits or complacency creep into routine behaviours, encourage people to speak up if they see a safety issue and to give them confidence to do so.” The campaign makes safety a really important consideration for lives both at work and at home, and has made a significant difference in the safety culture within the company. Workers from all parts of the business are given an opportunity to talk through and rehearse scenarios from various walks of life; to think outside the box to resolve problems, remove risks and share learning points – taking safety performance to a new level. The results speak for themselves; employee Lost Time Incidents have plunged from 32 in 2009 to just 3 in 2015. By developing employees as coaches, UK Power Networks created agents for change at all levels of the

“We have 1,000 frontline coaches, trained to support the safety culture and employees on the ground, and 100 organisational coaches, driving our safety culture forward. “We have a highly motivated workforce and our safety record is now the best in the business, with the lowest injury rate per employee amongst UK electricity distributors.”

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• 30% of staff volunteered as coaches • Employee feedback was 81% positive

ACHIEVEMENT UK Power Networks has won 16 awards in the past year including ‘Utility of the Year’. The business became the first Distribution Network Operator to be included in the Sunday Times’ Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For list. Its Stay Safe films have won industry awards and contractors have praised the program. In May, electricity engineer, Simon Deeley, was named Power Safety Person of the Year. “We are members of RoSPA, British Safety Council and our trade body the Energy Networks Association. Membership of these associations is helpful in terms of keeping up to date and networking/sharing best practice.” • • • •

ISO 9001 (quality management) ISO 14001 (environmental management) OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety management) PAS55 (Asset Management) certification

Supporting the Cable induStry with global expertiSe www.nexans.co.uk

“We have a highly motivated workforce and our safety record is now the best in the business, with the lowest injury rate per employee amongst UK electricity distributors.” Since 2010, UK Power Networks has achieved Business Carbon Reduction in the East of England by 30%, London by 20% and the South East by 14%. “Our environment team has developed a bespoke IOSH accredited training course which covers all the key environmental issues. We ensure our employees understand how their work impacts the environment so their risk controls are effective. HEALTH AND WELLBEING “Managing health risk is just as important as safety or any other risk. We recognise that a good healthy workforce is a happy and productive workforce, so we take health and wellbeing promotion very seriously. “We regularly run a number of health promotions both locally and across the company and we’ve also trained a number of Health and Wellbeing Champions to promote healthy initiatives at a more local level. We provide specialist external support for physiotherapy and mental health services. Our bespoke employee assistance program also provides a 24-hour confidential counselling service covering a wide range of support services. “Managing health and wellbeing in the right way shows our employees that we care. We also engage with national health campaigns such as ‘Time to Talk’, making sure staff are aware and able to access help when needed.” EMPLOYMENT UK Power Networks’ performance depends upon the contribution of all its employees. “We are always looking to recruit motivated and capable individuals who will help us achieve our aim to be the ‘best

performing Distribution Network Operator’. Whether you’re an energy expert or new to the industry, a variety of opportunities for graduates, apprentices, trainee engineers, field engineers and admin staff are available.” UK Power Networks’ vision is to be: • an Employer of Choice • a Respected Corporate Citizen (including environmental responsibility) • Sustainably Cost Efficient Four areas of focus have been identified as key themes to the framework of sustainability in the business. These are: Community, Environment, Future Proofing and Workforce. Sul concluded, “Our vision is intrinsically supported by implementing sustainability principles throughout our business. “Each of us has a personal responsibility for our own health and safety and for those around us. We’re in a good place but we don’t want complacency to set in - we keep health and safety at the forefront of our minds. “We use a wide range of multi-media tools to get our messages across to employees and the public. Sophisticated psychological techniques, slick, powerful communications and meaningful training will play an increasing role in successful health and safety cultures in the future. For more information, visit: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES: ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL

WEATHERING THE STORMS A

llerdale Borough Council is located in West Cumbria bordering the Solway Firth and Irish Sea as well as Carlisle and three district councils. With a population of approximately 96,000, the Borough is predominantly rural in nature. The Council’s vision is for Allerdale to be ‘a great place to live, work and visit’. Barry Chambers, Corporate Health and Safety Advisor continued, “We are committed to regenerating our area’s economy and its communities, concentrating in particular on: • Tackling inequality –supporting people, creating affordable housing and helping those in need • Strengthening our economy - building a strong, sustainable and vibrant local economy • Enhancing our towns - ensuring they remain attractive and welcoming, assist businesses • Improving health and wellbeing –high quality health care, healthier communities with suitable and safe housing • Creating a sustainable business – provide great services, running an effective council and developing our people “Although all local authorities are still affected dramatically by austerity measures and cutting services, we have invested in a new Leisure Centre (in Workington) to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents.” HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING “My role as Corporate Health and Safety Advisor with Allerdale is varied and aligns with strategic aims and objectives. My focus is not entirely H&S orientated but is primarily split between health and safety and emergency planning/resilience, which proved invaluable during the December 2015 floods.

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Barry Chambers, Corporate Health and Safety Advisor

Cockermouth flood barriers. Flickr / morebyless

“It is very difficult to quantify in words the colossal scale of flooding and the impact during the emergency.”

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES: ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL

“Working in partnership to make Allerdale a great place to work, live and visit”

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Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Services Winter Gritting Snow Clearance

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Landscape Construction Fine Turf Maintenance Tree Surgery Interior Plants and Floristry

ISS Facility Services Landscaping Solway House, Moss Bay Road, Workington, Cumbria. CA14 3XH T: 0845 270 2300 E: jim.brown@uk.issworld.com W: www.isslandscaping.co.uk T: @ISSLandscaping

“I firmly believe in contributing to the organisation and my surroundings. I won Employee of the Year in 2015 and was awarded a distinguished Service Award in 2016 for my work and involvement with the December flooding. I’ve just been accepted on the ‘Leader to Leader’ programme, run by the Centre for Leadership Performance, designed to develop capabilities to lead in today’s volatile and dynamic business environment. “Some of my health and safety responsibilities include: providing guidance for all H&S issues in accordance with relevant legislation; assisting in establishing policies, procedures and risk assessments; accident/incident investigation; undertaking audits and fire risk assessments for all properties owned and run by the Council. We have also contracted Green Landscape services to ISS Facility Services and I oversee all health and safety aspects of this partnership. “A good health and safety management system is not just about having the right policies and procedures in place, but about unifying work, involving all personnel including partner organisations and working collaboratively with the entire workforce. For example, I ask senior management, union officials and partner organisations for constructive feedback before the implementation of policies I have written. “I have recently completed a Terrorism procedure and have invited the authorities including Counter Terrorism Police for feedback so that it is accurate, specific and detailed in the right context. “As ill health statistics are on the rise, much of my time

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is now devoted to Occupational Health and Wellbeing. This is fundamental to any health and safety advisor role. A professional must have compassion, empathy, respect and earn trust, so that staff can talk about their issues. “My responsibilities include: liaising with HR and Occupational Health; undertaking Display Screen Equipment assessments; covering stress and mental health issues with staff; managing absenteeism target rates and investigating any reports of harassment and bullying. I’ve also revised the Council Intranet to include health, safety, wellbeing/stress related issues. “Following an internal restructure, I was given additional responsibilities for emergency planning and resilience. As many health and safety practitioners know, we have to wear ‘many hats’ in our profession and this responsibility was a totally new concept – I had to develop a new set of skills and adapt to a new working methodology. “The role of an emergency planning officer/manager is vast and overarches various designations including risk management and business continuity. In order to develop this service, my Line Manager had to go ‘back to basics’ in order to identify any shortfalls. Work that has been carried out to date includes initiating an improvement and training action plan, developing an emergency cascade and introducing an around-the-clock emergency call out system. “I would like to think I have personally managed my new responsibilities effectively and efficiently due to the positive feedback received from senior management and external parties.” WEATHERING THE STORMS In December 2015, Allerdale was hit with severe weather by flooding (Storm Desmond and Storm Eva). This caused considerable damage to properties in the area with the effects still being felt today. Barry told us more: “The December floods were devastating to our community. It is very difficult to quantify in words the colossal scale of flooding and the impact during the emergency. Even today we have people displaced and unable to get back into their own homes - some had flood water up to their living room ceilings.” As a Category 1 organisation, Allerdale Borough Council was prepared for a flooding incident and had been on standby during the end of November, opening a command centre in preparation. Barry continued, “On Thursday 3 December, we had extensive downpours that caused localised flooding over a widespread area within Allerdale. “I was called out to manage the situation but couldn’t reach our command centre; getting marooned in deep flood water. I was able to get home after several hours but our street was submerged. Luckily, we managed to keep the water out of the house. I will add, we live nowhere near a water course - this was water runoff from surrounding fields. “I attended work on Friday and we were all on standby. Following advice from the Met Office and Environment Agency, we were told there should be no more flooding – rain would be heavy but defences should hold. “I will add that two of our major towns, Keswick and Cockermouth, already had extensive flood defences installed.

“Despite the emergency, Allerdale worked successfully with zero accidents or complaints from any member of the organisation.”

“Early Saturday morning, I was asked to attend Keswick and when I arrived, water was flowing at an incredible speed, reaching half way up the glass wall flood defences. This was a ‘heart stopping’ experience that I shall never ever forget. “When I eventually got into the Town Hall, I held meetings with local flood action groups and various external authoritative parties. Soon after, it quickly became apparent that we would have to evacuate Keswick residents. We opened emergency reception centres and arranged a management meeting to decide our next steps. “The flooding worsened in Keswick very rapidly. The police and volunteers began rescuing residents, bringing them to our reception centre where we held around 80 members of the public. Some required medication and transporting to hospital, and one elderly gentleman was having heart and breathing problems. Allerdale staff were remarkable and stepped up to the challenge to successfully run the centre, working continually for over 30 hours ensuring that everybody was warm, safe and fed. “We knew that many areas in Cumbria would be hit by flooding so Allerdale, as the lead authority for our area, opened further reception centres, stretching our resources to the maximum. We transported and distributed thousands of flood sacks in addition to those already given in preparation. There had never been such a wide spread flooding situation. 1736 properties within Allerdale alone flooded. “The scale of this work for Allerdale was huge, bearing in mind we’re a small Local Authority with around 240 employees.”

Despite the emergency, Allerdale worked successfully with zero accidents or complaints from any member of the organisation. The Council is still working in partnership with all external agencies to manage issues surrounding the floods. Allerdale has set of values adopted by every member of staff that include ‘Leading by example’ and ‘Valuing one another’. Barry concluded: “Regarding our preparedness for the future, we have and will build on lessons learned and are in the process of training more personnel. We will work in partnerships to the ensure adequate and efficient address of emergencies, as and when they might happen. “As health, safety or environmental professionals we have all attained a level of competency to carry out the role to the best of our abilities. That said, training is only a piece of the jigsaw so we have to ‘learn and earn’ the job, people and respect. “Once employed within this specific role, we should: never stop growing, ask questions, seek advice and challenge systems and processes to ensure they are fit for purpose. “At Allerdale, we continually strive to enhance our experience and success. By working together and taking pride in our achievements, we can create a better culture for everyone at the Council and better serve our community.” For more information, please visit: www.allerdale.gov.uk

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NHBC HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2016

“A total of 61 site managers were awarded Commended status for their sites, who then went on to compete for the Highly Commended, Runners-up and National winners.”

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NHBC HONOURS UK’S SAFEST HOUSE BUILDERS The UK’s safest house builders have been honoured for their outstanding dedication to health and safety as NHBC announced the winners of the first round of its annual Health and Safety Awards.

rganised by NHBC, the UK’s leading new home warranty and insurance provider, and independently judged by CITB, Constructing Better Health and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the Awards have been running for seven years and are the only health and safety recognition scheme in the UK exclusively for home builders. The Awards recognise site managers’ commitment to excellent health and safety practice on site. The scheme not only looks at accident records, but other indicators such as effective planning for health and safety before a project starts, a tidy, well-organised site as well as an infrastructure that supports the site manager. They credit and reward the very best in health and safety and also help to drive up safety standards in house-building by showcasing and sharing best practice.

A total of 61 site managers were awarded Commended status for their sites, who then went on to compete for the Highly Commended, Runners-up and National winners. The National winners were named in July at a gala event at the ICC in Birmingham, hosted by special guest Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards. National Award winners Daniel Parker (Large category) and Jamie Street (Multi-storey category) both from Berkeley Homes, Derek Biggans (Medium category) from Dawn Homes and Nick Booth from Duchy Homes (Small category), demonstrated exceptional standards of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff and the public in their respective categories. 30 site managers from across the UK were Highly Commended for Health and Safety on site. Berkeley Homes also received a Special Award in recognition of their £2m innovation fund which launched in

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NHBC HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2016

“NHBC believes it is crucial to recognise and reward those house builders that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in preventing accidents and ill health not just onsite but the surrounding community it works in.”

early 2015, challenging individuals, inventors, companies and universities to come up with bright ideas that change the way people think and work in construction. According to the HSE, there were 35 fatal injuries to workers in the Construction sector in 2014/15, around 20% lower than the five year average for 2010/11-2014/15; almost half of the fatal injury cases were caused by falls from height. Every casualty on site is unacceptable; however, it is reassuring to see that house builders across the UK continue to safeguard their colleagues by placing health and safety practice high on their agenda, with the number fatal injuries in construction substantially decreasing over the last 40 years.

Mike Quinton, NHBC Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a fantastic year with a record number of entries; we had an outstanding shortlist of finalists this year, strengthening the importance given to health and safety on house-building sites across the UK. “NHBC believes it is crucial to recognise and reward those house builders that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in preventing accidents and ill health not just onsite but the surrounding community it works in. “This year’s winners demonstrated their commitment to maintaining an excellent health and safety record while keeping up with the growing demand for quality new homes. We offer them our congratulations.” For the full list of winners please visit: http: www.nhbc.co.uk/ HSAwards/Winnersarchive/2016Winners/

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The window for entry to the 2017 NHBC Health and Safety Awards opens in September. For further information about health and safety best practice, and about this year’s awards and how to enter for next year, visit www.nhbc. co.uk/hsawards.

The Awards are broken down into the following categories:

NHBC’s role is to support the industry in maintaining and improving the build quality of new homes for homebuyers, whilst providing the benefit of its 10-year Buildmark warranty protection, when required.

NHBC is a non-profit distributing organisation with no shareholders. It invests any surplus into activities that improve new homes further, in particular through its research arm, the NHBC Foundation.

Best Sites Health and Safety Award: • Best small builder site (1-50 NHBC registrations per annum) • Best medium builder site (51-1,000 NHBC registrations per annum) • Best large builder site (1,001 or more NHBC registrations per annum) • Best multi-storey site (A site where the structure is five or more storeys)

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NHBC AWARDS 2016: BELLWAY HOMES NORTH LONDON

A REPUTATION YOU CAN RELY ON In conversation with Neil McCready, NHBC Health and Safety Award winner.

n 70 years, Bellway has grown from a small, familyowned company to one of the most successful house builders in the UK. The company employs 2,000 members of staff and has earned an enviable reputation. Q: Can you tell us about your history and capabilities as one of the most successful house builders in the UK? “We build a variety of homes, from studio apartments to luxury penthouses and executive houses, and we pride ourselves on the complete house build, from interiors to exteriors. “This is not just through the high standards of service that we offer to new purchasers but in the attention to detail in our build quality and health and safety practices. “At Bellway, we also place a high level of importance on ensuring that everyone works in a safe manner. We take our responsibility towards employees, customers, suppliers, sub-contractors and members of the public very seriously.” Q: Please describe your role and responsibilities as Project Manager at Bentley Place. “My background began in carpentry, working my way up to site manager for a high end residential company, before branching out on my own. I began working for Bellway over a year ago and have managed the Bentley Place development in Hammersmith since January 2015.

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“It is my responsibility to assist the site team so development is planned and managed to the highest standards of H&SE and quality. I hold daily safety briefings and weekly progress meetings with our site team and subcontractors. “I work closely with the sales team and design manager throughout the life of the project to deliver a high quality of finish for the home buyer. I endeavour to create an environment that promotes a positive culture for all those involved or affected by the project by actively encouraging engagement from our sub-contractors and local residents.” Q: Congratulations on your recent success as NHBC Health and Safety Award winners. Can you tell us more about the award? “The NHBC are contracted as third party advisers to visit and provide a report on Bentley Place every three weeks, where they take images and carry out site inspections. Sites are given a numerical score depending on the level of risk identified which allows us to allocate appropriate resources and prioritise tasks. “It is great to see that health and safety initiatives we’ve implemented across the site and the work that we do to ensure the development is consistently left clear and tidy have been noticed.

Neil McCready, NHBC Health and Safety Award winner

“It is great to see that health and safety initiatives we’ve implemented across the site and the work that we do to ensure the development is consistently left clear and tidy have been noticed.”

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NHBC AWARDS 2016: BELLWAY HOMES NORTH LONDON

“As project manager at Bentley Place, I recognise and believe that health and safety is crucial on any development site. Working on a clear and safety-driven site reflects on staff wellbeing too, whilst providing a more conscientious working environment.” “We also recently won the NHBC Quality Award and I believe that came from the fact we had won the Health and Safety Award. “Bellway’s high standards in health and safety were acknowledged last year when nine site managers were recognised in the NHBC Health and Safety Awards; one of whom went on to become a regional winner. Along with our achievements this year, our awards success demonstrates the continued drive and passion for improvement and excellence across the board at Bellway. Q: How important is health and safety to you? How do you and your organisation ensure the highest standards are met? “As project manager at Bentley Place, I recognise and believe that health and safety is crucial on any development site. Working on a clear and safety-driven site reflects on staff wellbeing too, whilst providing a more conscientious working environment. If your site is tidy, well organised and safe, it encourages all staff to carry out their work in a safe manner and brings quality craftsmanship to everything that they and we do too. “My construction director, Rob Sapsford is also really hot on health and safety and a lot of improvements in our region have been driven by his work and encouragement.”

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Q: What is your approach to occupational health and well-being? “Bentley Place is my site and my responsibility; therefore, I take everything done on site very personally. I am consistently looking at new, sometimes quirky ways to encourage on-site staff and contractors to work safely together. “For example, we run weekly Toolbox talks that include subjects such as housekeeping and trailing leads, the importance of PPE, the powers of the Health & Safety Executive and even waste management. “I ensure that we have many visual boards up as signage is very important; from the Cool/Uncool Board that highlights good and unsafe working practices to the Permit Board that tells everyone what is going on every day and who will be accessing the site. We also display wellbeing information including healthy eating posters, apps to help with stress and anxiety and occupational health information. “I also implemented a new induction programme for everyone that comes on to the site, which incorporates a full training programme and site tour. “Building morale on site is also key to a safe working environment. At Bentley Place, we have a games room and a ping-pong table for staff to take downtime at lunchtime. “We’ve also been raising money for the British Heart Foundation as part of the ‘Wear It, Beat It’ campaign to raise awareness of the importance of having a healthy heart. We raised money using technology to record the amount of steps staff had taken in one day around the site. We are still collecting for the charity at the moment.” 

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The environment in which we work is incredibly important to creating well-being. It is not just the staff and contractors that we need to think about, but the surrounding neighbours of our developments too.â&#x20AC;?

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NHBC AWARDS 2016: BELLWAY HOMES NORTH LONDON

“I would say it is paramount for project and site managers to make sure, first and foremost, that their sites are organised and tidy. By doing so health and safety improves.”

Q: What are your values and corporate responsibility towards the environment and the world around you? “The environment in which we work is incredibly important to creating well-being. It is not just the staff and contractors that we need to think about, but the surrounding neighbours of our developments too. One entrance to the site is down a one-way street with minimal space, so we have to ensure that deliveries are all planned meticulously. We regularly keep our neighbours updated with letters to ensure they know at what stage we’re at and what to expect.” Q: Are you a member of any associations and do you hold any accreditations? How have these organisations helped your company? “Bellway Homes are members of both CHAS and Safemark and all contractors that are employed by Bellway Homes must also be accredited with CHAS and SafeMark. This ensures that all contractors have achieved a high level of competency in health, safety and environmental management.

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“At Bellway, we measure health and safety performance in a number of ways. The NHBC regularly run safety inspections and last year, Bellway achieved an NHBC Health and Safety score of 0.936. This reflects fewer reportable incidents and is considerably below the NHBC all builder average of 2.805. Bellway’s North London Division currently stands at number one in their group.” Q: Can you offer any sage advice to other health, safety and environmental professionals? “I would say it is paramount for project and site managers to make sure, first and foremost, that their sites are organised and tidy. By doing so health and safety improves. Sites should also be friendly and there should always be a bit of humour to boost morale. Creating a great environment for staff and contractors to work in ensures they care more about the quality of their crafts and in turn, means our sites deliver excellence and quality.” For more information, please visit www.bellway.co.uk , call 0333 202 5173 or email nlondon-sales@bellway.co.uk

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We would like to thank the British Safety Council for our membership which has fuelled us with information and assisted us in demonstrating our commitment to health, safety and environmental management Robert Caesar HSSE Manager Tucker Energy Services Limited, Trinidad and Tobago

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